New Delhi: India bagged its first medal of Commonwealth Games 2026 ahead of opening ceremony, Olympic medalist Lovelina Borgohain Guaranteed to win at least a bronze medal in women’s boxing.The Assam boxer went straight into the semi-finals after receiving a bye in every weight category. With all of the losing semi-finalists claiming Commonwealth Games boxing bronze medals, Lovlina has now secured a podium spot before stepping into the ring.She will start her campaign on July 31, when she will compete with TKBP Taafaki for a spot in the gold medal match.Lovlina’s medal guarantee provides India with a boost ahead of the Olympics, which has sent a 124-member delegation to Glasgow. Despite the reduced event schedule in 2026, India will still compete in multiple sports as it looks to add to its rich Commonwealth Games legacy.India’s tournament begins on Thursday with two lawn bowls matches before the opening ceremony later in the day. The delegation will compete in eight sports for able-bodied athletes – track and field, boxing, weightlifting, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, track cycling, bowling and swimming – as well as five disability sports, including para track and field, para weightlifting, para swimming, para track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.The track and field competition will be held from July 27 to August 1 and will involve Olympic champions Neeraj Chopra One of the biggest attractions. The reigning world champion will be looking to reclaim the Commonwealth title he won on the Gold Coast in 2018 after missing the 2022 Birmingham Games due to injury.Weightlifting is expected to be another major source of medals for India, with the Olympic silver medalist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion mirabaichanu Lead the challenge.With Lovlina already confirmed for the podium, India are off to a fantastic start to the Glasgow 2026 campaign even before the Olympics officially begin.
