Acclaimed sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony of the XXIII Commonwealth Games on August 2, 2026. The event will take place at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, marking the conclusion of the eleven-day international multi-sport event.
The ceremony will celebrate sportsmanship, unity, and culture before officially handing over the hosting duties to India. Sharma will perform alongside National Award-winning composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan and his sons, Siddharth and Shivam, as part of India’s 20-minute cultural presentation. This segment will culminate with the formal flag handover to India as the host nation for the 2030 centenary edition in Ahmedabad.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma said, “Performing at the Commonwealth Games and representing India’s deep musical heritage is an absolute honour. I look forward to bringing the spirit and sanctity of classical fusion music to Glasgow,” according to a press release.
Recently signed to compose music for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic film ‘Ramayana’, Sharma has joined a team including Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are being held from July 23 to August 2 and feature over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports and six integrated para-sports. India’s contingent of more than 122 athletes is performing strongly, with notable achievements including weightlifter Mirabai Chanu securing a historic third consecutive gold medal, and podium finishes by weightlifter Rishikanta Singh and para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar.