New Delhi: The star weightlifter To Mirabai Chan and boxing ace Lovlina Borgohain will lead the 124-member Indian contingent in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on July 23.Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will carry India’s hopes and the Tricolor at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) named the pair as the national flag and baton bearers on Saturday.The opening ceremony of the limited edition of the Commonwealth Games will be held at the OVO Hydro on July 23, where two successful athletes will lead the 124-strong Indian contingent on the field.Announcing the award, IOA President PT Usha said the honor reflects the contribution of all athletes to Indian sports.“It’s a matter of pride that Mirabai and Lovlina will be performing at the OVO Hydro. I wish all the best to the girls and the entire varsity team,” Usha said in response. “It is an honor that two women have been chosen to grace Team India at the opening ceremony, which will set the tone for the tournament.”
Two of India’s biggest medal hopes
Mirabai and Lovlina go to Glasgow not only as leaders of Indian culture but also among the fiercest rivals.Mirabai, who won Olympic silver in the women’s 49kg category at the 2021 Tokyo Games, has been the face of Indian weightlifting for nearly a decade. He added a Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham in 2022 and also won several medals at the World Championships.Despite missing out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Manipur lifter is still one of India’s top prospects in Glasgow.Lovlina, meanwhile, made history by winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics before becoming a world champion in 2023. She also won silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and entered the Commonwealth Games as one of India’s boxing hopefuls.Usha praised both the athletes for always playing big games.“Both Mirabai and Lovlina have time and again in the international game in India. They are currently training intensively for the game in the United Kingdom,” he said.
India sends 124 members
Earlier this week, the IOA made an announcement about the Indian Army when it unveiled the ceremonial uniforms and sports competition.India will be represented by 124 athletes, including sprinters and runners, in 10 categories, including athletics, boxing, climbing, cycling, gymnastics, judo, lawn bowls and swimming, along with several para-sport events.The tournament will be led by Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal and Deputy Chef de Mission Ravi Bengani as India looks to continue its Commonwealth Games legacy.
