‘I wish the Indian contingent all the best’: PM Modi’s message to Team India ahead of CWG 2026

NEW DELHI: Wishing the Indian contingent success ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the athletes will compete with determination and inspire the nation. India begin their campaign on Thursday with a 124-man contingent looking to make a strong impact despite a limited competition schedule.“Wishing the Indian contingent all the best as the #Glasgow2026 Commonwealth Games begin,” PM Modi wrote on X.“I am confident that our athletes will participate in the Games with passion, determination and a spirit of excellence. The skills and dedication of our athletes always inspire countless Indians.”

India start campaign with bowls action

India’s campaign will begin with two matches over the bowling before the opening ceremony later in the day. Competitions at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held at four venues.Indian athletes will compete in eight sports: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowling and swimming. The country’s para-athletes will also compete in five events, including para-athletics, para-swimming, para-powerlifting, para-track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.

Neeraj, Mirabai lead medal hopes

The athletics will be held from July 27 to August 1 and Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra will lead the Indian challenge. He will compete in the men’s javelin final on August 1 and aim for a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games after missing the 2022 edition due to injury. Chopra won the title at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.India’s other big medal hope is weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic medallist. Weightlifting is scheduled for July 26-30, with Chanu expected to spearhead India’s campaign in the sport.