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.

The 23rd Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, bringing together nearly 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Returning to Glasgow 12 years after the memorable 2014 edition, the Games will feature a streamlined competition with 10 sports, reflecting a cost-effective hosting model.

India, which finished fourth in the medal standings at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with 61 medals (22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze), will be represented by a 125-member contingent aiming for another strong performance despite the reduced sporting programme.

Opening Ceremony and Competition Schedule

The Games will officially begin with a grand Opening Ceremony on July 23 at OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

Competitive action starts on July 24, with events in boxing, judo, bowls and para-bowls among the first competitions. The first medal of the Games will be awarded in para-powerlifting, while the closing days will feature major medal events in athletics, cycling, and netball before the Games conclude on August 2.

Sports on the Programme

Glasgow 2026 will feature 10 sports, significantly fewer than previous editions.

The sports include:

• Athletics & Para Athletics
• Swimming & Para Swimming
• Artistic Gymnastics
• Track Cycling & Para Track Cycling
• Boxing
• Judo
• Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting
• Netball
• Bowls & Para Bowls
• 3x3 Basketball & 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball

Notably, hockey, badminton, table tennis, squash, and other racket sports have been excluded from this edition as organisers opted for a leaner programme to reduce hosting costs.

Competition Venues

The Games will be staged across four primary venues in Glasgow:

• OVO Hydro – Opening Ceremony and Netball
• Tollcross International Swimming Centre – Swimming and Para Swimming
• Scotstoun Stadium – Athletics and Para Athletics
• Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome – Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling
• Scottish Event Campus (SEC) – Boxing, Judo, Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball

Athletics has been shifted from Hampden Park to the smaller Scotstoun Stadium, making athletics tickets among the most sought-after during the Games.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary depending on the event:

• Non-medal sessions: From £17
• Medal sessions: From £26
• Premium athletics and cycling finals are priced significantly higher.

All tickets will be issued digitally and delivered shortly before the Games.

India's 125-Member Contingent

India will send a 125-member squad featuring several Olympic and world champions.

Some of the biggest names include:

• Neeraj Chopra – Athletics (Javelin)
• Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting
• Lovlina Borgohain – Boxing

The Indian contingent will be looking to improve on its fourth-place finish from Birmingham 2022 despite competing in fewer sports.

74 Nations to Compete

A total of 74 nations and territories will participate in Glasgow 2026, with Gabon and Togo making their Commonwealth Games debut.

Although delegations are generally smaller than in previous editions because of the reduced sports programme, the competition is expected to remain highly competitive across all disciplines.

Meet 'Finnie' – The Official Mascot

The official mascot of Glasgow 2026 is Finnie, a unicorn featuring Glasgow's iconic traffic cone as its horn.

Created with the help of local schoolchildren, Finnie represents the city's creativity, inclusiveness, and community spirit. The mascot succeeds Clyde, who remains Team Scotland's official mascot.

Unique Medal Design

The Glasgow 2026 medals feature a distinctive Reuleaux triangle design, inspired by the city's industrial heritage.

For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the medals include Braille and tactile elements, making them more accessible and inclusive for visually impaired athletes.

Where to Watch in India

Indian fans can watch the Commonwealth Games live on:

• Sony Sports Network (Television)
• Sony LIV (Live Streaming)

International viewers can also watch through TNT Sports, HBO Max, Channel 5 (highlights), and the Commonwealth Sport YouTube channel.

With world-class athletes, new sporting heroes, and India's medal hopes riding on a talented 125-member squad, the Commonwealth Games 2026 promises to deliver ten days of thrilling sporting action from Glasgow.