New Delhi, 22 July (H.S.):

India will enter the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with the aim of delivering another strong performance. The multi-sport event, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, will see a mix of experienced champions and promising young athletes representing India. The nation’s hopes will particularly rest on established stars such as Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain.

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 countries and territories are expected to compete in the Games, which will feature 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and 3x3 basketball.

Neeraj Chopra once again India’s biggest gold medal hope

Olympic gold medallist and India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will lead the country’s medal challenge. He is considered one of India’s strongest contenders for a gold medal and will look to continue his dominance on the international stage.

Mirabai Chanu aims for a historic gold medal hat-trick

In weightlifting, India’s star athlete Mirabai Chanu has already won two gold medals and one silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. She secured gold at the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham editions. At Glasgow, Chanu will aim to win a third consecutive gold medal and create history.

Lovlina Borgohain carries major boxing hopes

Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist and 2023 World Champion Lovlina Borgohain will be India’s biggest medal prospect in the women’s 75kg boxing category. With her consistency, experience and international success, expectations are high for her to secure a gold medal.

All eyes on Gurindarveer Singh

India’s fastest sprinter Gurindarveer Singh will attract significant attention after breaking the national 100-metre record this year with a timing of 10.09 seconds. Making his Commonwealth Games debut, he has the potential to win a medal for India in athletics.

Pranati Nayak to lead gymnastics challenge

Experienced gymnast Pranati Nayak will spearhead India’s challenge in artistic gymnastics. She will aim to win India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in the sport and create history.

Young athletes expected to make an impact

Apart from these established names, young athletes such as Sarvesh Kushare and Gyaneshwari Yadav will also make their Commonwealth Games debut. They are expected to deliver promising performances and strengthen India’s future sporting prospects.

India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Therefore, the performance of Indian athletes in Glasgow will not only be important from a medal perspective but will also serve as a significant preparation milestone ahead of the Ahmedabad 2030 Games.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar