Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2026, which began in Glasgow. He said that the skill and dedication of our athletes inspires countless Indians. More than 120 athletes from India are participating in these games.
New Delhi [भारत]July 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026. He expressed confidence that the athletes will compete with passion, determination and spirit of excellence and inspire millions of people across the country.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August. India has sent a contingent of over 120 athletes across eight able-bodied sports and five para sports to carry forward its rich legacy in this multi-sport event.
“As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. I am confident that our athletes will participate in the Games with passion, determination and a spirit of excellence. The skill and dedication of our athletes always inspires countless Indians,” PM Modi wrote in a post on Twitter.
As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. 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… pic.twitter.com/caenX35LdG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2026
Inauguration ceremony and India campaign
Mirabai Chanu led the Indian contingent as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2026 at the Hydro Stadium in Glasgow. India also made a strong start to their campaign, with Commonwealth champions Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki winning over Malta in the women’s singles bowls, while Putul Sonowal surprised world champion Ryan Bester in the men’s singles.
Great start in lawn balls
The Indian pair dominated the first set 7-1, but Malta bounced back to win the second set and take the match to a tie-break. Pinky’s last ball proved decisive and India secured victory.
Meanwhile, in his first match in Section D, Sonowal won the first set 5-4, after which Bester responded with a 7-3 win in the second set. There are six players in this section, in which the winners of all four sections will reach the semi-finals.
Putul will face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his second men’s singles Section D match, while Pinky and Rupa will face South Africa in their next women’s pairs encounter. Both matches are to be held on Friday.
At Glasgow 2026, the tournament begins with sectional group play, with players and teams competing in a round-robin format for a place in the knockout stages. (ANI)
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