India heads into the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a 125-member contingent and hopes of another successful campaign despite the Games featuring a significantly reduced programme of just 10 sports. With disciplines such as wrestling, badminton, hockey, and table tennis absent, India’s medal hopes will largely rest on its stars in athletics, weightlifting, boxing, and field events.
Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw
Olympic champion and one of India’s greatest athletes, Neeraj Chopra is once again the country’s biggest medal hope. After recovering from a back injury that delayed his 2026 season, Chopra has gradually regained form and returns to the Commonwealth Games aiming for his second gold medal after his triumph at the 2018 Gold Coast Games. Despite facing strong international competition, his experience and ability to deliver on the biggest stage make him India’s leading athletics contender.
Mirabai Chanu – Weightlifting
Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu remains India’s most dependable weightlifting star. A two-time Commonwealth Games champion, Chanu enters Glasgow in excellent form after producing record-breaking lifts at the national championships. Her consistency and championship experience make her one of India’s strongest gold medal prospects.
Lovlina Borgohain – Boxing
World champion Lovlina Borgohain will look to secure her first Commonwealth Games medal after narrowly missing the podium in previous editions. Competing in the women’s middleweight division, the Olympic bronze medallist carries India’s biggest hopes in boxing and is expected to challenge for gold.
Murali Sreeshankar – Long Jump
After making an impressive comeback from injury, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar arrives in Glasgow with one of the season’s best performances. The Birmingham 2022 silver medallist has consistently crossed the eight-metre mark and is considered a genuine contender for gold.
Tejinderpal Singh Toor – Shot Put
National record holder Tejinderpal Singh Toor will be aiming to win his maiden Commonwealth Games medal. The experienced shot putter enters the competition with a strong season-best throw and has the potential to challenge the top contenders for a place on the podium.
India’s Medal Expectations
While India’s overall medal tally is expected to be lower than the 61 medals won at the 2022 Birmingham Games due to the trimmed sporting programme, the country still boasts several world-class athletes capable of winning gold. Athletics, weightlifting, boxing, and selected field events are expected to contribute the majority of India’s medals during the Games.
With stars like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Murali Sreeshankar, and Tejinderpal Singh Toor leading the charge, Indian fans will be hoping for another memorable Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow.
