New Delhi: India has bagged its first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games even before the opening ceremony, an Olympic medal. Lovlina Borgohain won bronze in the women’s boxing competition.The Assam boxer entered directly into the semifinals after being given an opportunity in his weight category. As all the losers who win the semifinals receive bronze medals at the boxing Commonwealth Games, Lovlina is now guaranteed a place to show off before stepping into the ring.They will begin their campaign on July 31, when they will face TKBP Taafaki in the gold medal round.Lovlina’s assured medal gives India an early boost ahead of the Games, where the country has sent 124 players to Glasgow. Although the 2026 edition has a reduced sports programme, India will still compete at several events in the hope of extending its Commonwealth Games legacy.India’s campaign begins on Thursday with two lawn bowlers playing the opening ceremony this afternoon. The tournament will be contested in eight sports for power athletes – athletics, boxing, mountaineering, judo, gymnastics, cycling, bowls and swimming – along with five categories of para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, para-track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.Athletics will start from July 27 to August 1, with the Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra among the main attractions. The world champion will look to reclaim the Commonwealth title he won at Gold Coast 2018 after missing Birmingham 2022 due to injury.Weightlifting is expected to be another important source of medals for India, with an Olympic silver medalist and a second Commonwealth Games champion. To Mirabai Chan leading the problem.With Lovlina already confirmed to be fit, India has begun dreaming up its Glasgow 2026 campaign even before the Games begin.
