NEW DELHI: India has secured its first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games even before the opening ceremony, with an Olympic medal Lovlina Borgohain guaranteed at least a bronze in the women’s boxing competition.The Assam boxer got a direct entry into the semi-finals after getting a bye in his weight category. With all the losing semi-finalists receiving bronze medals in Commonwealth Games boxing, Lovlina is now assured of a place on the podium before stepping into the ring.He will begin his campaign on July 31, when he takes on TKBP Taafaki for a place in the gold medal.Lovlina’s assured medal gives India an early boost ahead of the official start of the Games, where the country has sent a 124-member contingent to Glasgow. Although the 2026 edition will feature a reduced sports programme, India will still compete in several disciplines with the hope of adding to its rich Commonwealth Games heritage.India’s campaign begins on Thursday with two bowls matches before the opening ceremony later in the day. The contingent competes in eight able-bodied sports – athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bocce and swimming – alongside five para disciplines, including para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, para-track cycling and 3×3 basketball.Athletics action will run from July 27 to August 1, with the Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra among the biggest attractions. The reigning world champion will be looking to regain the Commonwealth title he won at Gold Coast 2018 after missing Birmingham 2022 through injury.Weightlifting is expected to be another key source of medals for India, with Olympic silver medalist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion. Mirabai Chanu lead the challenge.With Lovlina already assured of a podium finish, India has made a dream start of its Glasgow 2026 campaign even before the Games have officially begun.
