India’s Key Medal Prospects at Glasgow 2026
India enters the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 with more than 120 athletes and medal hopes led by Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain. The reduced 10-sport programme makes athletics, boxing, and weightlifting central to the campaign.
India Begins Glasgow 2026 Campaign With Medal Hopes Across 10 Sports
New Delhi, July 23, 2026: The India CWG 2026 schedule in IST places several of the country’s biggest medal contenders in action between July 23 and August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Murali Sreeshankar, and Tejaswin Shankar are among the leading Indian athletes competing at the streamlined Commonwealth Games. India has sent more than 120 athletes across mainstream and para-sport events.
A Reduced Programme Raises the Stakes for India
Glasgow stepped in as host after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew over rising costs. The Games have consequently been reorganised as a smaller competition featuring 10 sports across four main venues.
Sports that traditionally produced a large share of India’s medals—including wrestling, badminton, shooting, and hockey—are absent. India won 61 medals at Birmingham 2022, but matching that total will be difficult under the reduced programme. Athletics, boxing, weightlifting, gymnastics, and para-sports are therefore expected to carry much of the medal burden.
India CWG 2026 Schedule in IST: Main Medal Dates
India’s first major medal opportunities arrive on July 24, when the men’s gymnastics team final begins at 2:30 PM IST. Para-powerlifting finals will be held from 5:30 PM, followed by additional heavyweight events during the evening session.
On July 25, India competes in the women’s gymnastics team final, swimming, and boxing. Lovlina Borgohain is expected to begin her boxing campaign during the evening session, subject to the final draw.
July 26 will be one of India’s most closely watched days. Mirabai Chanu competes in the weightlifting final at approximately 6:30 PM IST, while Rishikanta Singh and M Raja are also scheduled for medal events.
Athletics begins on July 27, with Murali Sreeshankar, Gurindervir Singh, Tejas Shirse, and several para-athletes entering qualification rounds. High jump, hurdles, para-sprint, and para-shot-put medal events are scheduled during the late-night session.
The July 28 and July 29 programmes include finals in the men’s 100m, 10,000m, long jump, women’s steeplechase, shot put, and para-athletics. Boxing quarterfinals, gymnastics finals, swimming, and weightlifting events will also take place.
Neeraj Chopra’s javelin qualification is scheduled for July 30 during the afternoon session. His final is expected late on July 31 IST, with the session potentially continuing into the early hours of August 1. Animesh Kujur, Tejaswin Shankar, and India’s 400m hurdlers are also listed for important athletics events.
Boxing finals, triple jump, pole vault, race walking, and judo medal rounds are scheduled for August 1, while lawn bowls, judo, and track cycling conclude India’s programme on August 2. Participation in several finals depends on qualification.
Athletics, Boxing, and Weightlifting Lead Medal Hopes
Neeraj Chopra remains one of India’s strongest medal prospects in Glasgow. Mirabai Chanu will attempt another major weightlifting podium finish, while Lovlina Borgohain leads a boxing contingent that includes several emerging contenders.
Murali Sreeshankar in long jump, Parul Chaudhary in distance running, Tajinderpal Singh Toor in shot put, and Tejaswin Shankar in the decathlon could add to India’s athletics total. Para-athletes competing in powerlifting, swimming, cycling, and track and field are also expected to contribute important medals.
With several traditionally successful sports removed, reports suggest that a total of around 30 medals would represent a realistic campaign for India.
Where to Watch CWG 2026 in India
Indian viewers can follow the Commonwealth Games through the Sony Sports Network, while live streaming is available on Sony LIV. Afternoon sessions generally begin between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM IST, while major evening finals may continue beyond midnight.
