Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, expressing confidence that the country’s athletes would compete with passion, determination and excellence while continuing to inspire millions of Indians.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, with India fielding a contingent of more than 120 athletes across eight able-bodied sports and five para sports. The Indian team is aiming to build on its impressive legacy at one of the world’s premier multi-sport events.
PM Modi Sends Message of Encouragement
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi praised the dedication and commitment of Indian athletes and wished them success throughout the competition.
“As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. I am confident that our athletes will participate in the Games with passion, determination and a spirit of excellence. The skills and dedication of our athletes always inspire countless Indians,” the Prime Minister wrote.
His message comes as Indian athletes begin their quest for medals across multiple sporting disciplines.
Mirabai Chanu Leads Indian Team at Opening Ceremony
Olympic medallist and star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had the honour of leading the Indian contingent as the flag-bearer during the opening ceremony held at Glasgow’s Hydro Stadium.
The ceremony marked the official start of the Games, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth in a celebration of sporting excellence and international friendship.
India Begins Campaign on a Winning Note
India made an encouraging start to its Glasgow 2026 campaign with impressive performances in the lawn bowls competition.
Commonwealth champions Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki registered a hard-fought victory over Malta in the women’s event. The Indian pair dominated the opening set 7-1 before Malta fought back to level the contest by winning the second set. India, however, held its nerve in the tie-break, with Pinki delivering the decisive final bowl to secure victory.
In another standout performance, Putul Sonowal stunned reigning world champion Ryan Bester in the men’s singles Section D opener. Sonowal edged the first set 5-4 before Bester responded by winning the second set 7-3. The Indian eventually emerged victorious in the contest, providing one of India’s early highlights at the Games.
More Matches Scheduled
Putul Sonowal is scheduled to face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his next men’s singles Section D fixture, while Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki will take on South Africa in their next women’s event.
Both matches are scheduled to be played on Friday.
The lawn bowls competition at the Commonwealth Games began with sectional round-robin matches, with players and teams competing for places in the knockout stages. Winners from each section will progress to the semi-finals.
With a strong start and several medal events still to come, India will look to continue its momentum and add more medals to its rich Commonwealth Games history.
