- Fans are eager to know the schedule.
- The opening ceremony will officially mark the start of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Thursday.
- Glasgow, Scotland, is hosting the Commonwealth Games for the second time.
The wait is finally over as the Commonwealth Games 2026 get underway on July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland. With thousands of athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories set to compete over the next 11 days, fans are excited.
India steps into the CWG with a strong contingent despite the reduced sports, depending on stars such as Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and Gurindervir Singh to deliver medals.
With the opening ceremony just around the corner, fans are eager to know the schedule, timings, live-streaming details, and India's campaign. Here's everything you need to know.
ALSO READ: Neeraj Chopra to Manu Bhaker: India's Top Medal Contenders In Commonwealth Games 2026
Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will officially mark the start of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Thursday, July 23, at the OVO Hydro, the first indoor venue to host a Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Organisers have promised a colourful celebration of Scottish culture, music and sport, featuring performances from KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans, along with the traditional Parade of Nations.
Opening Ceremony Details
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Venue: OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
Start Time: 8:00 PM BST (12:30 AM IST, July 24)
Expected Duration: Around two hours
Where to Watch Commonwealth Games 2026 Live?
Fans in India can catch all the action live on Sony Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV app and website. The opening ceremony, along with all medal events, will be broadcast live throughout the tournament.
Commonwealth Games 2026 Schedule
The Games will run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, featuring competition across 10 sports and six para sports. Around 3,000 athletes will compete in a streamlined edition after Glasgow stepped in as host following Victoria's withdrawal.
Key Dates
July 23: Opening Ceremony
July 23: Lawn Bowls begins; India's campaign gets underway
July 24-31: Athletics, Swimming, Cycling, Gymnastics, Boxing, Weightlifting and other medal events
August 1: Final medal events
August 2: Closing Ceremony
Commonwealth Games 2026 Host
Glasgow, Scotland, is hosting the Commonwealth Games for the second time after previously staging the event in 2014.
The city was confirmed as the replacement host after Victoria, Australia, withdrew because of escalating costs. To keep expenses under control, Glasgow is using existing venues from the 2014 Games, resulting in a compact and sustainable edition.
ALSO READ: From Athletics To Boxing: What Are India's Biggest Medal Hopes At Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026
India's Contingent for Commonwealth Games 2026
India has sent a contingent of over 120 athletes to Glasgow, competing across 13 sports. Athletics forms the largest contingent, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra leading India's medal hopes.
Other prominent names include Manu Bhaker (shooting), Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting), Lovlina Borgohain (boxing), Gurindervir Singh (athletics) and several rising stars expected to challenge for podium finishes.
Although sports such as badminton, wrestling, hockey and cricket are absent from this edition due to the reduced programme, India remains one of the strongest contenders and will aim to finish among the leading nations on the medal table.