India’s first CWG 2026 medal secured even before opening ceremony – Here’s how

Lovlina Borgohain (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: India has secured its first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games even before the opening ceremony, with Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain guaranteeing at least a bronze in the women’s boxing event.The boxer from Assam got a direct entry into the semi-finals after getting a bye in her 75kg weight category. With all the losing semi-finalists receiving bronze medals in boxing at the Commonwealth Games, Lovlina is now assured of a place on the podium before she steps into the ring. They will begin their campaign on July 31 when they face TKBP Taafaki for a place in the gold medal clash.Lovlin’s assured medal gives India an early boost ahead of the official start of the Games, where the country has sent a 124-member contingent to Glasgow. Although the 2026 edition features a limited sports programme, India will still compete in several disciplines with the hope of adding to its rich Commonwealth Games legacy.India’s campaign begins on Thursday with two grass-court matches before the opening ceremony later in the day. The contingent will compete in eight able-bodied sports – athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowling and swimming – along with five para disciplines, including para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, para-track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.The athletics event will run from July 27 to August 1, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra among the biggest attractions. The reigning world champions will be looking to reclaim the Commonwealth title they won at Gold Coast 2018 after missing Birmingham 2022 due to injury.Weightlifting is expected to be another key source of medals for India, with Olympic silver medalist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion Mirabai Chanu leading the challenge.With Lovlina already assured of a place on the podium, India have started their Glasgow 2026 campaign with a dream even before the Games officially begin.