Published: July 19, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain were named India’s flag bearer and baton bearer, respectively, for the Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony.
The pair will lead India’s CWG 2026 contingent during the opening ceremony at The Hydro in Glasgow on July 23, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced on Saturday.
Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Mirabai Chanu heads to Glasgow as one of India’s leading medal prospects.
The 31-year-old Indian weightlifter is a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, having won gold at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. She will compete in the 48kg division at Glasgow 2026.
Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain will look for her maiden Commonwealth Games medal after returning empty-handed from Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
The 28-year-old Indian boxer, a former world and Asian champion in the middleweight division, will compete in the 75kg bracket at CWG 2026.
Lovlina Borgohain will look for her maiden Commonwealth Games medal after returning empty-handed from Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022
“It is a matter of pride that Mirabai and Lovlina will be doing the honours at the OVO Hydro. I wish both the girls and the entire contingent good luck,” IOA president PT Usha said.
While Mirabai will carry the Indian tricolour during the athletes’ parade, Lovlina will carry the ceremonial King’s Baton.
For Glasgow 2026, each of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories has received its own batons, customised to reflect their unique culture and identity. The batons will be reunited at the opening ceremony before the Games are officially declared open.
The ceremony marks a departure from the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where each nation was represented by two flag bearers, one male and one female, at the opening ceremony.
Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain were among the athletes considered for the honour in 2022 before badminton player PV Sindhu and men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh were eventually chosen to lead the Indian contingent.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held from July 23 to August 2. India will be represented by over 120 athletes across eight able-bodied and five para sports at the upcoming CWG.
