The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially commenced in Glasgow, marking the start of a smaller edition of the event compared to previous years. The opening ceremony at the OVO Hydro is set to host approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations. This year’s Games will feature 10 sports across four venues, with six sports also including para events to promote inclusivity.
Glasgow stepped in as the host city after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew in 2023 due to rising costs. The Scottish city, which previously hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is utilising existing venues and infrastructure with a budget of around 160 million pounds.
India’s Early Success and Expectations
India has made a strong start in the lawn bowls competition. Putul Sonowal secured a notable victory in the men’s singles, defeating 2023 world champion Ryan Bester of Canada. Sonowal, making his Commonwealth Games debut, won the opening set 5-4. Although Bester took the second set 7-3, Sonowal, the reigning Asian champion from Assam, prevailed in the tie-break of his Section D match. He is scheduled to face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his next match on Friday.
In the women’s pairs event, Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh also began with a win, defeating Malta in a tie-break in their opening match.
India aims to continue its record of finishing within the top five of the medals table, a feat achieved at every edition since Manchester 2002. However, this year’s challenge is anticipated to be tougher due to the absence of several medal-rich sports from the programme.
Sports such as wrestling, badminton, table tennis, and shooting, which contributed significantly to India’s 61 medals in 2022, are not part of this edition. These four sports alone accounted for 25 medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Consequently, India will rely on strong performances in other sports to maintain its position among the leading nations.
Athletics and Other Key Events for India
Athletics is expected to play a crucial role in India’s Commonwealth Games campaign. India has sent its largest contingent in athletics, with a 32-member squad, which is the maximum permitted. This team will compete across 22 medal events and is projected to contribute significantly to the medal tally.
Key athletes to watch include two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, high jumper Sarvesh Kushare, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, triple jumper Praveen Chithravel, and both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams. While athletics yielded eight medals for India at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, matching this total may be more challenging this year due to increased international competition. With traditional medal sports absent, the athletics squad carries heightened expectations.
Boxing and weightlifting are also anticipated to shoulder much of the responsibility as India seeks to uphold its impressive Commonwealth Games record despite fewer medal opportunities.
The second day of the Commonwealth Games, Friday, will feature several Indian athletes in action. In gymnastics, the men’s team final and individual qualification will see Tapan Mohanty, Swathish KP, Tapeshwarnath Das, and Yogeshwar Singh compete at 5:00pm. Para swimming will feature R.V.V.B.K. Budigna and Imam Ali in the men’s S13 100m Freestyle Heats at 3:40pm. Srihari Natraj will participate in the men’s 50m Backstroke Heats at 3:56pm.
Para powerlifting finals include Ashok and Parmjeet Kumar in the men’s lightweight category at 5:40pm, and Jaspreet Kaur and Suman Devi in the women’s lightweight final at 7:24pm. Kasthuri Rajamani will compete in the women’s heavyweight final at 10:40pm, while Sudhir and Jhandu Kumar will be in the men’s heavyweight final at 00:29am on July 25. In lawn bowls, the women’s pairs section match will see India against South Africa at 7:30pm. Boxing will feature Jadumani Singh against Aaron Cullen of Scotland in the men’s 55kg Round of 32 at 11:00pm.
Opening Ceremony Performances
The opening ceremony will showcase a variety of Scottish artists, celebrating the country’s music and culture. Performers include Tom Walker, KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Valtos, Nathan Evans, and Saint PHNX.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially began on Thursday, July 23.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter