The wait is finally over as the Commonwealth Games 2026 gets underway in Glasgow on Thursday, with India's 120-plus member contingent aiming to continue the country's rich legacy at the multi-sport event. However, unlike previous editions, Glasgow 2026 presents a unique challenge.
With the Games being held under a drastically reduced 10-sport programme, several of India's traditional medal-winning disciplines such as shooting, wrestling, badminton, hockey and table tennis have been removed. The cuts significantly reduce India's medal opportunities, making a top-five finish far more difficult than in Birmingham 2022.
Can Team India still secure a place among the top five nations at Glasgow?
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India's Commonwealth Games Legacy
India has been one of the most successful nations in Commonwealth Games history. Since making a significant breakthrough in the 2002 Manchester Games, the country has consistently remained among the leading medal-winning nations.
India's recent performances:
Edition | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total | Rank |
Delhi 2010 | 38 | 27 | 36 | 101 | 2nd |
Glasgow 2014 | 15 | 30 | 19 | 64 | 5th |
Gold Coast 2018 | 26 | 20 | 20 | 66 | 3rd |
Birmingham 2022 | 22 | 16 | 23 | 61 | 4th |
Overall, India has achieved more than 560 Commonwealth Games medals, making it the fourth-most successful nation in Games history.
India's Greatest Commonwealth Games Medal Moments
Over the years, Indian athletes have produced several iconic performances on the Commonwealth stage.
Some of the standout achievements include:
Abhinav Bindra becoming India's first individual Olympic gold medallist after dominating Commonwealth shooting events.
Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt leading India's wrestling revolution with multiple gold medals. PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Lakshya Sen helping India establish itself as a badminton powerhouse.
Neeraj Chopra winning javelin gold in Birmingham 2022 after his Olympic triumph. Mirabai Chanu continuing India's dominance in weightlifting with another Commonwealth title. Achanta Sharath Kamal becoming one of India's most decorated Commonwealth table tennis players.
The historic women's lawn bowls fours gold medal in Birmingham 2022, one of India's biggest surprise victories.
Several of those disciplines, however, are absent from Glasgow 2026, meaning India will need new stars to showcase their talents.
Medal Projection for India
Most pre-Games projections estimate India to finish with around 35 to 45 medals, including 12 to 16 gold medals, depending on performances in athletics, boxing and weightlifting.
That would represent a noticeable drop from the 61 medals won in Birmingham, but it would still keep India among the leading nations.
India's Strongest Medal Sports
Athletics
Athletics could become India's biggest medal contributor this time. The country will rely on Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, shot put star Tejinderpal Singh Toor, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, race walkers and a host of relay teams to deliver medals.
Boxing
India has consistently excelled in Commonwealth boxing. Olympic medallists Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, Nishant Dev and several rising boxers are expected to challenge for gold medals. In fact, India had already secured its first medal before the opening ceremony through Lovlina's progression in the draw.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting remains one of India's strongest Commonwealth disciplines. Former Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu headlines a talented squad capable of winning multiple medals across different weight categories.
Lawn Bowls
After the historic success in Birmingham, India will once again target medals in lawn bowls, although competition is expected to be much stronger on Scottish soil.
Para Sports
India has steadily improved in para events over recent editions and could add several medals through para athletics, para powerlifting and para bowls.
Rival Nations to Watch
Australia
Australia remain overwhelming favourites to top the medal table. Their exceptional strength in swimming, athletics, gymnastics and cycling can help them achieve this feat.
England
England possess one of the deepest squads and are expected to challenge Australia for overall supremacy.
Canada
Canada should once again finish inside the top four with strength across swimming, athletics and gymnastics.
Scotland
Competing at home gives Scotland a significant advantage. Strong performances in swimming, cycling, gymnastics and bowls could propel the hosts into the top five.
New Zealand
New Zealand continue to be one of the most consistent Commonwealth nations, particularly in athletics, cycling and weightlifting.
Expected Medal Table Prediction
Based on current squads, the reduced sports programme and recent international form, the projected top five could look like this:
Ranking Prediction:
- Australia
- England
- Canada
- Scotland
- India
New Zealand could push India all the way, making the battle for fifth place one of the closest contests of the Games.
Can India Finish in the Top Five?
Yes, but it will be considerably harder than in previous editions. The removal of sports that traditionally contributed nearly half of India's medal tally has significantly reduced the country's scoring opportunities.
Success will largely depend on whether athletes in athletics, boxing and weightlifting can convert medal chances into golds.