Glasgow: The Commonwealth Games 2026 kicks off in Glasgow with nearly 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports and 215 gold medals up for grabs.
India, competing in its 19th appearance, has sent a 124-member contingent, featuring athletes across both able-bodied and para-sports disciplines.
🇮🇳 India Day 1 Schedule (July 23)
🟢 Lawn Bowls (India’s first events)
India will kick off its campaign with lawn bowls, a sport where the nation made history in the previous edition.
- 2:00 PM IST – Men’s Singles (Group Stage – Day 1)
- 2:00 PM IST – Women’s Pairs (Group Stage – Day 1)
🎉 Opening Ceremony
- 10:30 PM IST onwards – Opening Ceremony at the iconic OVO Hydro
Spotlight: Lawn bowls legacy
India heads into the tournament with confidence after its historic performance at the 2022 Games in Birmingham.
- The women’s fours team — Lovely Choubey, Pinki, Nayanmoni Saikia and Rupa Rani Tirkey — won India’s first-ever lawn bowls gold
- The men’s fours team, including Sunil Bahadur, Chandan Singh, Navneet Singh and Dinesh Kumar, secured a silver medal
This year, the team will aim to replicate and build on that success.
What to expect on Day 1
- A steady start for India with lawn bowls group-stage matches
- Focus on early momentum rather than medals on opening day
- A grand opening ceremony setting the tone for the Games
Conclusion
Day 1 for India at the Commonwealth Games 2026 is about getting into rhythm and building confidence. With lawn bowls action and a high-profile opening ceremony, the stage is set for an exciting campaign ahead.