- Around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are competing across 10 sports.
- lasgow 2026 begins with only two Indian fixtures.
- The opening ceremony also features a strong Indian presence.
CWG 2026: The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially gets underway in Glasgow on Wednesday, with Team India opening its campaign in lawn bowls even before the grand opening ceremony. India's first athletes in action will be Pinki Singh, Rupa Rani Tirkey and Putul Sonowal as the nation begins its medal hunt at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
Around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are competing across 10 sports in this edition of the Games, where 215 gold medals are on offer. India is making its 19th appearance at the Commonwealth Games, having first participated in 1934.
The Indian contingent enters Glasgow hoping for another successful campaign after producing memorable performances in recent editions. The opening ceremony also features a strong Indian presence, with Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu serving as the flag-bearer, while boxer Lovlina Borgohain will carry the ceremonial baton. The ceremony is scheduled at 12:30 am 24th July (IST).
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India's Schedule At Commonwealth Games 2026 Today (July 23)
India's opening day features two lawn bowls events, with both matches taking place in the sectional stage.
Women's Pairs Sectional Play
Pinki Singh & Rupa Rani Tirkey (India) vs Connie Rixon & Rebecca Rixon (Malta)
Time: 4:50 PM IST
India's women's pair will become the first Indian athletes to compete at Glasgow 2026. A winning start will provide valuable momentum in the sectional phase as they look to advance to the knockout rounds.
Men's Singles Sectional Play
Putul Sonowal (India) vs Ryan Bester (Canada)
Time: 6:15 PM IST
World No. 21 Putul Sonowal faces one of his toughest opening assignments against experienced Canadian Ryan Bester. The result could prove crucial in determining the standings in the men's singles section.
What To Expect From India's Lawn Bowls Team?
Lawn bowls has steadily surfaced as one of India's growing disciplines at the Commonwealth Games. The sport gained nationwide attention during Birmingham 2022 when the Indian women's fours team scripted history by winning the country's maiden Commonwealth Games gold medal in lawn bowls.
That breakthrough victory transformed expectations around the sport in India, proving the nation can challenge traditional powerhouses such as Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand and Canada.
While Glasgow 2026 begins with only two Indian fixtures, both matches carry significant importance. Strong performances at the sectional stage will improve India's chances of advancing to the knockout rounds, where medal opportunities await.
Putul Sonowal will particularly have a stern test against Ryan Bester, one of Canada's most accomplished bowlers, while the women's pairing of Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey will look to begin their campaign confidently against Malta.
With only two events scheduled on the opening day, India's primary objective will be to secure positive starts in the sectional rounds before the country's larger contingent enters action across multiple sports in the coming days of the Commonwealth Games 2026.
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Where To Watch Commonwealth Games 2026 Live?
Fans in India can catch the live broadcast of the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Sony Sports Network and Doordarshan Sports. The Games will also be available on DD Free Dish.
Live streaming of all major events, including India's lawn bowls matches, will be available on the Sony LIV app and website.