Carrying the Indian tricolour, the two decorated athletes walked at the front of the delegation during the traditional Parade of Nations, marking the official beginning of India's campaign at the Games. The ceremony was attended by Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with the monarch formally declaring the Commonwealth Games open.

The opening ceremony combined Scotland's rich cultural heritage with music, dance and visual performances, giving thousands of spectators inside the arena a glimpse of the country's traditions. A performance featuring Scotland's iconic bagpipes, alongside contemporary cultural presentations, set the tone before athletes from all 74 participating nations and territories marched into the arena.

For India, the event carried additional significance as the country's athletes had already begun their campaign before the official opening ceremony. The early results provided an encouraging start, with Indian competitors registering victories in lawn bowls.

Puttul Sonowal produced one of the standout performances by defeating reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada in the singles event. In the women's doubles competition, Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinky opened their campaign with a hard-fought victory over Malta's Rebecca Lewis Rickson and Connie-Leigh Rickson in a tie-break.

The Indian contingent entered the Games with expectations across several disciplines, including athletics, boxing, weightlifting and lawn bowls. Although the programme has been reduced compared to previous editions, Indian athletes remain among the leading medal contenders in several events.

One of the country's biggest medal hopes, Lovlina Borgohain, has already assured herself of at least a bronze medal. Competing in the women's 75kg boxing category, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist received a direct entry into the semi-finals, guaranteeing a podium finish regardless of the outcome of her next bout.

Mirabai Chanu, meanwhile, returns to the Commonwealth Games as one of India's most successful weightlifters. A former Commonwealth champion and Olympic silver medallist, she will once again be expected to challenge for the top honours in her category.

The opening ceremony itself marked a historic occasion for Glasgow. For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the event was staged entirely inside the OVO Hydro Arena rather than a traditional outdoor stadium. The venue welcomed around 13,000 spectators who witnessed a blend of sporting celebration and Scottish cultural performances.

Following the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla, the British national anthem, God Save the King, was performed before the Parade of Nations commenced. Athletes from across the Commonwealth then marched into the arena, with the host nation Scotland entering last to loud applause from the home crowd.

India has sent a 125-member squad to compete across ten sports during the Games, which run from July 23 to August 2. Despite the absence of several medal-rich disciplines from this edition, the contingent will be aiming to maintain India's strong record at the Commonwealth Games.

Officials are optimistic that athletes in boxing, athletics, weightlifting and lawn bowls can deliver podium finishes, while younger competitors will also look to make an impression on the international stage.

With the opening ceremony complete and competition already underway in several events, India's focus now shifts fully to the medal race as the Glasgow Games enter their first full day of action.