NEW DELHI: India has secured its first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 even before the opening ceremony, with Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain guaranteed at least a bronze in the women’s boxing competition.The Assam boxer received a direct entry into the semifinals after being handed a bye in her 75kg weight category. As all losing semifinalists receive bronze medals in Commonwealth Games boxing, Lovlina is now assured of a place on the podium before stepping into the ring. She will begin her campaign on July 31, when she takes on T.K.B.P. Taafaki for a place in the gold medal bout.Lovlina’s assured medal gives India an early boost ahead of the official start of the Games, where the country has sent a 124-member contingent to Glasgow. Although the 2026 edition features a reduced sports programme, India will still compete across several disciplines with hopes of adding to its rich Commonwealth Games legacy.India’s campaign begins on Thursday with two lawn bowls matches before the opening ceremony later in the day. The contingent will compete in eight sports for able-bodied athletes—athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls and swimming—alongside five para disciplines, including para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, para-track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.Athletics action will run from July 27 to August 1, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra among the biggest attractions. The reigning world champion will look to reclaim the Commonwealth title he won at Gold Coast 2018 after missing Birmingham 2022 through injury.Weightlifting is expected to be another key source of medals for India, with Olympic silver medallist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion Mirabai Chanu leading the challenge.With Lovlina already assured of a podium finish, India has made a dream start to its Glasgow 2026 campaign even before the Games have officially begun.
