Sri Vijaya Puram, July 28: India’s campaign for its first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in track cycling will feature a cyclist from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Elkatohchoongo David Beckham selected to compete in the men’s elite keirin at Glasgow 2026. The 22-year-old’s inclusion marks his second Commonwealth Games appearance and places one of the Union Territory’s most accomplished athletes in India’s squad as it seeks a historic breakthrough in the sport.
Born in September 2003, Beckham has emerged as one of India’s fastest track cyclists through a series of strong performances on the national and international circuit. His selection for Glasgow 2026 comes as India looks to end its wait for a Commonwealth Games medal in track cycling, making the event significant both for the country’s sporting ambitions and for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Beckham’s journey to the international stage has unfolded despite major personal and sporting challenges. After losing both parents at a young age, he left the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to train in Delhi because the Union Territory lacked the specialised infrastructure required for competitive track cycling. The move enabled him to pursue elite training unavailable in his home region.
Since relocating, Beckham has built an impressive competitive record. In 2025, he won the national gold medal in the men’s elite sprint, establishing himself among India’s leading track cyclists. He also secured a silver medal in the keirin at the Hong Kong International Track Cup, adding an international podium finish to his achievements.
His performances have also resulted in national records. Beckham currently holds the Indian records in the flying 200-metre time trial and the team sprint, reflecting his speed and consistency across multiple track cycling events.
For the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, his selection carries wider significance beyond an individual sporting achievement. It highlights the emergence of an international athlete from a region with limited elite sports infrastructure and demonstrates that athletes from the islands can compete at the highest levels despite infrastructural constraints.
His participation is also expected to inspire aspiring cyclists from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where opportunities for specialised track cycling training remain limited. At the national level, his inclusion strengthens India’s squad as it pursues its first Commonwealth Games medal in track cycling.
As Beckham prepares for his second Commonwealth Games appearance in Glasgow, his journey from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to international competition reflects both personal resilience and sporting achievement. His selection places the Union Territory on one of the biggest stages in international sport while contributing to India’s bid for a landmark medal in track cycling.
