CWG 2026: Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain named Indian flag bearers for opening ceremony in Glasgow | Commonwealth Games News

File photo: Lovlina Borgohain and Mirabai Chanu (PTI photo)

NEW DELHI: The star weightlifter To Mirabai Chan and boxing ace Lovlina Borgohain will lead the 124-member Indian contingent at 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 decorated duo as the country’s flag and baton bearers on Saturday.The opening ceremony of the scaled-down edition of the Commonwealth Games will be held at the OVO Hydro on July 23, where the two accomplished athletes will lead the 124-member Indian contingent into the arena.Announcing the decision, IOA President PT Usha said the honor reflects the outstanding contribution of both athletes to Indian sports.“It’s a matter of pride, Mirabai and Lovlina will be honored at OVO Hydro. I wish both the girls and the entire contingent the best of luck,” Usha said in a statement. “It is a matter of pride that two women have been chosen to grace Team India at the opening ceremony, which will set the tone and tenor of the Games.”

India’s two biggest medal hopes

Mirabai and Lovlina go to Glasgow not only as India’s master of ceremonies but also among the strongest contenders for a medal.Mirabai, who won Olympic silver in the women’s 49kg category at the 2021 Tokyo Games, has been the face of Indian weightlifting for almost a decade. She added gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and is also a multiple medalist at the World Championships.Despite narrowly missing out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the lifter from Manipur remains one of India’s brightest prospects in Glasgow.Lovlina, meanwhile, made history by winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics before becoming world champion in 2023. She also won silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and enters the Commonwealth Games as one of India’s leading boxing medal hopes.Usha praised both the athletes for their consistent performances on the biggest stages.“Both Mirabai and Lovlina have proven time and again in the international arena for India. They are currently training hard for the UK Games,” she said.

India is sending a contingent of 124 members

Earlier this week, the IOA officially flagged off the Indian contingent while unveiling the ceremonial and competition gear for the Games.India will be represented by 124 athletes, including both able-bodied and para-athletes, in 10 disciplines, including athletics, boxing, weightlifting, cycling, gymnastics, judo, bocce and swimming, along with several para-sport events.The contingent will be led by Chief of Mission Rohit Rajpal and Deputy Chief of Mission Ravi Bengani as India looks to continue its rich Commonwealth Games legacy.