The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway in Glasgow, Scotland, with India’s athletes gearing up for an action-packed opening day across multiple disciplines. The Games, returning to Glasgow after the memorable 2014 edition, will see athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories compete over the next 11 days in a streamlined edition featuring 10 sports and six Para sports.
India has fielded a 125-member contingent, with several Olympic and Commonwealth medallists expected to spearhead the country’s medal campaign. Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain had the honour of leading the Indian contingent as flag bearers during the opening ceremony.
India’s stars in focus
The opening days of the Games will see several Indian athletes begin their campaigns, with particular attention on weightlifting, boxing, lawn bowls, swimming and track cycling.
Among India’s biggest medal hopes are:
Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting
Lovlina Borgohain – Boxing
Neeraj Chopra – Athletics (later in the Games)
India’s lawn bowls contingent, which has continued its impressive rise following recent international success.
Strong start for India
Even before the official opening ceremony, India had reasons to celebrate. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain had already assured herself of a medal after progressing in her event, while lawn bowler Putul Sonowal grabbed headlines with a stunning victory over world champion Ryan Bester in the men’s singles sectional match.
With several medal events beginning immediately after the opening ceremony, India will look to build early momentum and improve on its previous Commonwealth Games performances.
Glasgow kicks off the Games in style
The opening ceremony at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro marked the first time in Commonwealth Games history that the event was staged entirely inside an indoor arena. The ceremony celebrated Scottish culture through music, dance and storytelling, while King Charles III officially declared the Games open after making a memorable entrance alongside Queen Camilla.
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The vibrant ceremony featured performances by leading Scottish artists and the traditional Parade of Nations, setting the stage for 11 days of sporting action.
Medal race begins
India will now shift its attention to the competition as athletes begin chasing podium finishes across several disciplines. With experienced Olympians and rising young talents in the squad, expectations remain high for another successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
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Fans can expect intense action across boxing, weightlifting, swimming, lawn bowls and other events as the battle for medals gets underway in Glasgow.
FAQs
Where are the Commonwealth Games 2026 being held?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are being hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, featuring athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.
Who are India’s flag bearers for the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain served as India’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony in Glasgow.