Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain to Lead India at Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony

Indian Stars to Represent at Commonwealth Games 2026

Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain are set to represent India during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed Mirabai, a weightlifting champion, as the flag bearer, while Lovlina, a boxer, will serve as the baton bearer.

The ceremonial duties will take place at the OVO Hydro on July 23, marking the commencement of India's participation in the Games, as reported by Olympics.com. IOA president PT Usha expressed her pride in the selection of these accomplished athletes, wishing them and the entire Indian team success.

A Shift from Birmingham 2022

Mirabai, who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, will proudly carry the Indian flag during the athletes' parade. Lovlina, who secured a bronze medal at the same Olympics, will carry the ceremonial King's Baton. For the Glasgow Games, each of the 74 Commonwealth nations will receive a uniquely designed baton that reflects its cultural identity. These batons will be united during the opening ceremony before the official commencement of the Games.

This year's ceremony will differ from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where each participating nation had two flag bearers—one male and one female. In Birmingham, badminton star PV Sindhu and men's hockey captain Manpreet Singh led the Indian team. Notably, both Mirabai and Lovlina were contenders for this honor four years ago, but the final choice favored Sindhu and Manpreet.

Profiles of the Athletes and Their Goals

Heading to Glasgow, Mirabai is considered one of India's top medal prospects. The 31-year-old has previously won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. She will compete in the women's 48kg weight category.

On the other hand, Lovlina aims to secure her first Commonwealth Games medal after narrowly missing out in both Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. The 28-year-old, who is a former world and Asian champion, will participate in the women's 75kg boxing event.

India's Participation in Commonwealth Games 2026

The Commonwealth Games 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow. India plans to send a contingent of over 120 athletes competing in eight able-bodied sports and five para sports, aiming to enhance its impressive legacy in this multi-sport event.