India's journey at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026 is set to begin on Thursday, July 23, in Glasgow, Scotland. This major sporting event will conclude on August 2. This time, India will enter with the intention of creating history.
Around 3,000 athletes from 74 countries will participate in the event, competing for 215 gold medals.
Commonwealth Games 2026: India's Challenge and Hopes
India performed brilliantly at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, winning a total of 61 medals, including 22 gold.
However, the challenge for India is expected to be a bit different and more difficult this time. The main reason for this is the reduction in the number of sports.
Competition in Fewer Sports This Time
Previously, the Commonwealth Games featured 19 sports, but this time the number has been reduced to just 10.
Many of the sports in which India won the most medals are not part of the Games this time. Sports like wrestling, badminton, hockey, table tennis, cricket, and squash have not been included.
This is India's 19th Commonwealth Games. India first participated in 1934. This time, a 190-member Indian contingent has arrived in Glasgow, which includes 125 athletes (77 men and 48 women), 51 coaches, and 14 officials.
India's largest contingent is in athletics, with 32 players participating. 'Golden Boy' Neeraj Chopra is making a comeback from injury and is the biggest hope for a gold medal.
Here, he might face tough competition from Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage.
Besides Neeraj, stars like high jumper Sarvesh Kushare, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, and shot putter Tejinderpal Singh Toor are also considered strong medal contenders.
In weightlifting, all eyes will be on India's star player Mirabai Chanu. She is aiming for her third consecutive gold medal.
Boxing: Women Boxers to Show Their Mettle in the Ring
In boxing, female boxers like Lovlina Borgohain, Sakshi, and Jasmin are ready to showcase their talent.
All the events will be held at the Scotstoun Stadium, Scottish Event Campus, and Tollcross Swimming Centre. These Games are also important for India as Ahmedabad is set to host the 2030 Games.
CWG 2026: India's Full Schedule (Indian Standard Time)
Day 1: Thursday, July 23
2:00 PM: Lawn Bowls - Men's Singles and Women's Pairs Group Stage
10:30 PM: Opening Ceremony
Day 2: Friday, July 24
1:00 PM: Lawn Bowls - Men's Singles and Women's Pairs Group Stage
3:30 PM: Boxing - Preliminary Bouts
4:30 PM: Artistic Gymnastics - Men's Team Final and Individual Qualification
5:30 PM: Para Powerlifting - Men's and Women's Lightweight Final
10:30 PM: Para Powerlifting - Men's and Women's Heavyweight Final
11:30 PM: Swimming / Para Swimming - Final Events
Day 3: Saturday, July 25
1:00 PM: Lawn Bowls - Group Stage Matches
3:30 PM: Boxing - First Round / Round of 16
4:30 PM: Artistic Gymnastics - Women's Team Final and Individual Qualification
9:30 PM: 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball - India (Women) vs Scotland
11:30 PM: Swimming - Final Events
Day 4: Sunday, July 26
1:00 PM: Lawn Bowls - Group Stage Matches
2:00 PM: Weightlifting - Men's 60kg Final
3:30 PM: Boxing - Second Round Bouts
4:30 PM: Artistic Gymnastics - Men's Individual All-Around Final
6:30 PM: Weightlifting - Women's 48kg Final
10:30 PM: Artistic Gymnastics - Women's Individual All-Around Final
11:00 PM: Weightlifting - Men's 65kg Final
Day 5: Monday, July 27
1:00 PM: Lawn Bowls - Group Stage
2:30 PM: Athletics - Qualifying and Round 1
3:00 PM: Swimming - Heats
5:30 PM: Weightlifting - Women's 53kg and 58kg Finals
8:30 PM: Lawn Bowls - Semi-finals
9:30 PM: 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball - India (Women) vs Nigeria
11:00 PM: Athletics - Final Events
11:30 PM: Swimming - Final
12:30 AM (July 28): Weightlifting - Men's 79kg Final
Day 6: Tuesday, July 28
1:00 PM: Lawn Bowls - Medal Matches
2:30 PM: Athletics - Men's 400m Round 1
6:30 PM: Weightlifting - Women's 63kg Final
11:00 PM: Athletics - Women's High Jump Final, Men's 100m Final
11:00 PM: Weightlifting - Women's 69kg Final
Day 7: Wednesday, July 29
2:00 PM: Weightlifting - Women's 77kg Final
2:30 PM: Athletics - Qualifying and Round 1
6:30 PM: Weightlifting - Men's 94kg Final
11:00 PM: Athletics - Men's Long Jump Final, Women's 3000m Steeplechase Final
Day 8: Thursday, July 30
2:30 PM: Athletics - Men's Javelin Throw Qualifying
6:30 PM: Weightlifting - Women's +86kg Final
11:00 PM: Athletics - Women's Discus Throw Final, Men's Shot Put Final
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