India opened their Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign on a winning note after surviving a tense tie-break to defeat Malta in the women’s pairs lawn bowls event at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Hall 3 in Glasgow on Thursday.
The experienced Indian duo of Rupa Rani Tirkey (lead) and Pinki Singh (skip) held their nerve after letting an early advantage slip, eventually clinching a memorable victory in their Section B opener.
The result gives India a valuable start in the group stage as the pair look to build on the nation’s growing reputation in lawn bowls following the historic gold medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
India Started Well
India looked in complete control during the opening set, displaying excellent accuracy and composure from the very first end. Tirkey consistently placed her bowls in favourable positions, allowing skip Pinki Singh to capitalize with decisive finishing shots.
The Indian pair dominated proceedings throughout the first set and comfortably defeated Malta 7-1, taking a 1-0 lead in the match under the best-of-three sets format. Their clinical display appeared to have put them on course for a straightforward victory.
Malta’s Comeback
However, Malta refused to back down and produced an impressive response in the second set. The European side tightened their lines and improved their shot selection, putting India under sustained pressure.
The momentum gradually shifted in Malta’s favour as the Indians struggled to replicate their first-set precision. Malta eventually claimed the second set 5-2, levelling the contest at 1-1 and forcing the match into a winner-takes-all tie-break.
Indian Girls Bounce Back
After a very close contest, Tirkey and Pinki once again showcased the experience that has made them one of India’s most dependable lawn bowls combinations.
The Indian duo remained calm under pressure, executing crucial bowls at the decisive moments of the tie-break to edge past Malta and secure the opening-round victory.
The brilliant victory will surely give the Indian contingent a boost ahead of their other events.