Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain to Lead India as Flag and Baton Bearers at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony
Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will lead India as flag and baton bearers, respectively, at the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on July 23, 2026. This prestigious event, featuring 10 sports and 74 nations, takes place at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.
India's illustrious Olympic medallists, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and boxer Lovlina Borgohain, are set to lead the nation's contingent as flag and baton bearers at the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the XXIII Commonwealth Games 2026. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the prestigious appointments today, July 18, 2026, highlighting the duo's exceptional contributions to Indian sports on the global stage. India at 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games: List of Participants and Sports They Will Take Part In.
The momentous occasion will see Chanu, a Tokyo Olympic silver medallist and multiple Commonwealth Games gold winner, and Borgohain, a Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist, spearhead India's 126-member delegation into the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow. The opening ceremony is scheduled to commence at 19:00 BST (UTC+1) on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
IOA President Hails Selections
IOA President PT Usha expressed her pride in the selections, stating, 'It is a matter of pride that Mirabai and Lovlina will be doing the honours at the OVO Hydro. I wish both the girls and the entire contingent good luck'. This decision underscores the IOA's recognition of their consistent excellence and inspiring journeys. The 126-member Indian contingent comprises 78 men and 48 women, who will compete across 10 sports, including six fully integrated Para Sports.
Commonwealth Games 2026: Key Details
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXIII Commonwealth Games, will run from July 23 to August 2, 2026. This marks Glasgow's second time hosting the Games, having previously done so in 2014, and Scotland's fourth overall.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Official Name | XXIII Commonwealth Games (Glasgow 2026) |
| Host City | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Dates | 23 July – 2 August 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony | 23 July 2026, 19:00 BST (UTC+1) |
| Opening Venue | OVO Hydro, Glasgow |
| Participating Nations | 74 (expected) |
| Expected Athletes | ~3,000 |
| Sports Programme | 10 sports, including 3x3 Basketball & Wheelchair Basketball, Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics & Para Athletics, Bowls & Para Bowls, Boxing, Cycling Track & Para Cycling Track, Judo, Netball, Swimming & Para Swimming, Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting |
India's Medal Hopes
Mirabai Chanu enters the Games as a formidable medal prospect in weightlifting, aiming to add to her already impressive Commonwealth Games tally, which includes gold medals from the 2022 Birmingham and 2018 Gold Coast editions. Despite narrowly missing a podium finish at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, her return to competition has been marked by renewed focus, making her a strong contender. European Athletics Updates Broadcast Rules for Camera Angles to Combat Sexualization of Female Athletes.
Lovlina Borgohain, who transitioned from kickboxing to boxing, has also cemented her status as a prominent Indian athlete. Her Olympic bronze in Tokyo, alongside multiple international accolades, positions her as a key medal hope for India in boxing.
Other notable Indian athletes participating include Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, leading the 32-member athletics squad, with strong competitive lineups also expected in judo, track cycling, swimming, lawn bowls, and artistic gymnastics.
The selection of Chanu and Borgohain as flag and baton bearers is a fitting tribute to their dedication and success, setting an inspiring tone for India's campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where the nation will look to build on its rich sporting legacy.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
