India’s first CWG 2026 medal already assured ahead of opening ceremony – Here’s how | Commonwealth Games News
NEW DELHI: India bagged its first Commonwealth Games 2026 medal even before the opening ceremony, with Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain guaranteed at least one bronze in the women’s boxing competition.The Assam boxer received direct entry to the semifinals after being handed a bye in his weight category. Since all the losing semifinalists will receive bronze medals in Commonwealth Games boxing, Lovlina has now secured a place on the podium before stepping into the ring.He will begin his campaign on July 31, when he will face TKBP Taafaki for a spot in the gold medal bout.Lovlina’s assured medal gave India an early boost ahead of the official start of the Games, with the country sending a 124-member contingent to Glasgow. Although the 2026 edition will have a reduced sports programme, India will still compete in several disciplines with the hope of adding to the rich legacy of the Commonwealth Games.India’s campaign begins on Thursday with two lawn bowls matches before the opening ceremony later in the day. The contingent will compete in eight sports for able-bodied athletes—athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls and swimming—along with five para disciplines, including para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, para-track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.The athletics action will run from July 27 to August 1, with the Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra among the biggest attractions. The reigning world champion will be looking to regain the Commonwealth title he won at Gold Coast 2018 after missing Birmingham 2022 due to injury.Weightlifting is expected to be another important source of medals for India, with the Olympic silver medalist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion. In Mirabai Chan lead the challenge.With Lovlina already assured of a podium finish, India has made a dream start to its Glasgow 2026 campaign even before the Games have officially begun.
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