CWG 2026: Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain named India’s flag bearers at opening ceremony in Glasgow

File image: Lovlina Borgohain and Mirabai Chanu (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu and boxing ace Lovlina Borgohain will lead the 124-member Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on July 23.Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will carry India’s hopes and the tricolor at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Saturday named the decorated duo as the country’s flag and baton bearers.The opening ceremony of the scaled-down edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place at the OVO Hydro on July 23, where two accomplished athletes will lead the 124-strong Indian contingent into the arena.Announcing the decision, IOA President PT Usha said the award reflects the outstanding contribution of both athletes to Indian sports.“It is a matter of pride that Mirabai and Lovlina will be doing the honors at the OVO Hydro. I wish the girls and the entire contingent the best of luck,” Usha said in a statement. “It is a matter of pride that two women have been chosen to receive the award for Team India at the opening ceremony, which will set the tone and tenor of the Games.”

India’s two biggest medal hopes

Mirabai and Lovlina head to Glasgow not only as India’s master of ceremonies but also among its strongest medal contenders.Mirabai, who won Olympic silver in the women’s 49kg category at the 2021 Tokyo Games, has been the face of Indian weightlifting for almost a decade. She added a Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham in 2022 and is also a multiple World Championship medallist.Despite narrowly missing out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the rider from Manipur remains one of India’s brightest prospects in Glasgow.Meanwhile, Lovlina made history by winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics before becoming the world champion in 2023. She also won silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and enters the Commonwealth Games as one of India’s leading medal hopes in boxing.Usha praised both the athletes for consistently delivering on the biggest stages.“Both Mirabai and Lovlina have proven time and again on the international stage in India. They are currently training hard for the UK Games,” she said.

India is sending a 124-member contingent

Earlier this week, the IOA officially signed off the Indian contingent while unveiling the ceremonial and competition kits for the Games.India will be represented by 124 athletes, including able-bodied and para-athletes, in 10 disciplines, including athletics, boxing, weightlifting, cycling, gymnastics, judo, bowls and swimming, along with several para-sports events.The contingent will be led by Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal and Deputy Chef de Mission Ravi Bengani as India looks to continue its rich Commonwealth Games legacy.