India's Lawn Bowls Team Shines on Opening Day of Commonwealth Games 2026

India's participation in the Commonwealth Games 2026 kicked off with a bang as Putul Sonowal stunned the reigning World Champion Ryan Bester in lawn bowls. The Indian women's team also excelled, securing a thrilling victory against the Rixon sisters from Malta. This opening day showcased the potential of India's lawn bowls contingent, setting a promising tone for the competition ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 23:03 IST

A Strong Start for India

India commenced its journey at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with an impressive performance on the very first day, July 23 (Thursday). One of the most surprising moments of the tournament occurred even before the opening ceremony, thanks to Putul Sonowal. He stunned audiences by defeating reigning World Champion Ryan Bester from Canada in the Men's Singles lawn bowls event, securing a spot in the semi-finals.

The Underdog Triumphs

To understand the significance of this victory, it's essential to consider the backgrounds of both competitors. Ryan Bester is a renowned figure in lawn bowls, having dominated the sport for years with multiple Commonwealth Games medals and World Championship titles. His remarkable career achievements earned him a place in the World Bowls Hall of Fame, making him the clear favorite going into this match.

In contrast, Putul Sonowal, a member of the Assam Police Force, is relatively new to the global stage despite being the current Asian Champion. Ranked 25th, he faced Bester, who held the top rank, in what seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, Sonowal defied the odds and turned this daunting task into a remarkable victory.

Sonowal's journey in Glasgow is far from over, as he prepares for his next match against Cecil Alexander from the Falkland Islands, fueled by his newfound confidence.

Women's Team Achieves Success

In addition to Sonowal's triumph, the Indian women's team also made headlines on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games 2026. The seasoned duo of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki faced the Rixon sisters from Malta in a thrilling match that went down to a tense tiebreaker. Demonstrating excellent teamwork and composure, the Indian women clinched a hard-fought victory, contributing to an unforgettable start for India's lawn bowls team.