NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Indian contingent success ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, expressing confidence that the athletes would compete with determination and inspire the nation. India begins its campaign on Thursday with a 124-member contingent looking to make a strong impact despite the reduced competition programme.“As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent,” PM Modi wrote on X.“I am confident that our athletes will participate in the Games with passion, determination and a spirit of excellence. The skills and dedication of our athletes always inspire countless Indians.”

India begins campaign with bowls events

India’s campaign will start with two bowls matches before the opening ceremony later in the day. Competitions at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held across four venues.Indian athletes will compete in eight sports: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls and swimming. The country’s para-athletes will also participate in five disciplines, including para-athletics, para-swimming, para-powerlifting, para-track cycling and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.

Neeraj, Mirabai lead medal hopes

Athletics will be held from July 27 to August 1, with Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra leading India’s challenge. He will compete in the men’s javelin throw final on August 1 and will be aiming to reclaim the Commonwealth Games gold medal after missing the 2022 edition because of injury. Chopra had won the title at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.India’s other major medal hope is weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic medallist. The weightlifting events are scheduled from July 26 to 30, with Chanu expected to spearhead India’s campaign in the sport.