India’s CWG 2026 Day 1 LIVE Updates: India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign is off to a dramatic start, with two tiebreaker wins in lawn bowls.
Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured victory for India over Malta in their first Round 1 game of Women’s Pairs Sectional Play, while Putul Sonowal pulled off a shock win over three-time CWG medalist Ryan Bester in Men’s Singles. Earlier, India’s contingent suffered a couple of setbacks, as two athletes were withdrawn. Weightlifter Dilbagh Singh was withdrawn as India’s quota was reduced to 11 due to Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), while judoka Arun Kumar was withdrawn as he’s failed an out-of-competition dope test. Meanwhile, boxer Lovlina Borgohain assured India of its first medal at CWG 2026 even before attending the opening ceremony, where she will serve as the country’s flag bearer. Having received a bye directly into the semi-finals, Lovlina secured a place on the podium before stepping into the ring.
India officially kicks off its campaign in Glasgow on Thursday, with a 124-member contingent aiming to make the most of a drastically reduced competition programme. Following historic, medal-winning performances at the 2022 Games, the Indian lawn bowls team arrives in Scotland determined to challenge the world’s best once again.