Commonwealth Games Begin: Mirabai, Lovlina Lead India’s Parade of Nations

King Charles Opens Commonwealth Games 2026; Mirabai, Lovlina Lead India’s Charge in Glasgow

Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain led India’s 126-member contingent at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games as King Charles III officially declared the Games open in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Carrying the Indian tricolour, Mirabai and Lovlina marched into the OVO Hydro during the Parade of Nations to a rousing welcome, before being joined by the rest of the Indian contingent. The ceremony marked the beginning of an 11-day sporting extravaganza featuring over 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.

The 33rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will run until August 2, with competitions spread across 10 sports at four venues. Despite being the smallest edition of the Games in over three decades, six sports will include integrated para events, underlining the event’s focus on inclusivity.

King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, inaugurated the Games in his role as Head of the Commonwealth. During the ceremony, he read the message placed inside the King’s Baton during the Commonwealth Day celebrations at Buckingham Palace in March 2025 before officially declaring the Games open.

Addressing athletes and officials, the King praised the unity and values of the Commonwealth.

“Seeing the Batons arrive into Scotland today, in all their colourful glory, carried by inspiring athletes and para-athletes, reminds us once again that the Commonwealth is a unique and extraordinary family of nations.”

He also applauded the athletes’ dedication and highlighted the King’s Baton Relay Clean Oceans Plastic Campaign, which removed more than one million pieces of plastic from waterways across Commonwealth countries.

The opening ceremony combined Scottish heritage with entertainment, featuring mascot Finnie, wrestler Grado, a Doctor Who-themed segment, and appearances by cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh.

Glasgow stepped in as host after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew due to rising costs. Having previously hosted the Games in 2014, the Scottish city organised this edition using existing venues and infrastructure, delivering the event on a budget of around £160 million, significantly lower than the Birmingham 2022 Games.

India has fielded a 126-member contingent, competing in eight able-bodied sports and five para sports. Mirabai Chanu, Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, and Lovlina Borgohain, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, were chosen as India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony.

India’s campaign begins on Thursday with medal events across several disciplines. However, the country’s medal prospects are expected to be affected by the exclusion of traditional strongholds such as shooting, wrestling, badminton, hockey and cricket from this edition.

At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, India finished fourth in the medal standings with 61 medals, including 22 gold medals. The next Commonwealth Games will be held in Ahmedabad in 2030, where the event will return to its full format with 17 sports.