Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain to be India's flag bearers at 2026 Glasgow CWG
Synopsis
For the first time in recent memory, two women — Tokyo Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain — will jointly carry India's flag at a major multi-sport Games opening ceremony. With Chanu chasing a second CWG gold and Borgohain hunting her first CWG medal ever, Glasgow's OVO Hydro on 23 July carries more than ceremonial weight for Team India.
Key Takeaways
Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain named flag and baton bearers for India at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on 23 July 2026 in Glasgow .
Announcement made by IOA President PT Usha on 18 July 2026 .
Both athletes are Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallists — Chanu won silver, Borgohain won bronze.
Mirabai Chanu is the defending CWG gold medallist from Birmingham 2022 ; she turns 32 on 8 August .
Lovlina Borgohain won gold at the 2023 World Championship and silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou but has not yet won a CWG medal.
India's contingent for Glasgow 2026 comprises 126 members .
Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain, two of India's most decorated Olympic athletes, have been named flag and baton bearers for the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 23 July 2026. The announcement was made on Saturday, 18 July by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, marking a historic moment as two women lead Team India into the arena at the OVO Hydro.
IOA President's Announcement
PT Usha said, 'It is a matter of pride: Mirabai and Lovlina will be doing the honours at the OVO Hydro. I wish both the girls and the entire contingent good luck.' The decision reflects the IOA's recognition of the two athletes' contributions to Indian sport at the highest international level. The 126-member Indian contingent will march under their lead at the ceremony.
Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting's Golden Standard
Mirabai Chanu, who turns 32 on 8 August, has been the face of Indian weightlifting for nearly a decade. She claimed a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it up with a gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She has also won multiple medals at the World Championship across her career. Chanu was unable to secure a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but is reportedly in strong form heading into Glasgow, where she will once again compete for the top honours in weightlifting.
Lovlina Borgohain: From Kickboxing to Commonwealth Contender
Lovlina Borgohain, the boxer from Assam, earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — a moment that announced her arrival on the world stage. Her journey from kickboxing to competitive boxing has been one of the most compelling athlete stories in recent Indian sports history. She claimed a gold medal at the 2023 World Championship and a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Notably, Lovlina has not yet won a Commonwealth Games medal, making Glasgow a particularly significant stage for her.
Significance of Two Women Leading Team India
This is the first time in recent memory that two women athletes have been jointly chosen as flag bearers for India at a major multi-sport Games opening ceremony. Both Chanu and Borgohain are Tokyo Olympians whose achievements have transcended their respective sports, making them widely recognised role models across the country. Their selection is seen as a statement of intent by the IOA ahead of what promises to be a competitive Games for India. Both athletes are currently in active training in the United Kingdom ahead of the event.
What to Watch at Glasgow 2026
India's 126-member contingent is expected to be among the stronger sides at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Chanu and Borgohain among the top medal prospects. The opening ceremony at the OVO Hydro on 23 July will set the tone for India's campaign. All eyes will be on whether Lovlina can finally add a CWG medal to her growing collection, and whether Chanu can defend the gold she won in Birmingham four years ago.
Point of View
But the IOA's choice also reflects a pragmatic read of India's medal map — weightlifting and boxing are among the country's most reliable CWG disciplines. What the selection quietly underscores is how thin the bench of high-profile male athletes has become at Commonwealth level, even as women like Chanu and Borgohain have consistently delivered on the world stage. For Borgohain especially, Glasgow is unfinished business: a world champion and Asian Games silver medallist who has never stood on a CWG podium. That gap, if closed in Glasgow, would complete one of Indian boxing's most compelling arcs.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are India's flag bearers at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony?
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and boxer Lovlina Borgohain will serve as India's flag and baton bearers at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow on 23 July 2026. The announcement was made by IOA President PT Usha on 18 July.
When is the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow?
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is scheduled for 23 July 2026 at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
What medals have Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain won at the Olympics?
Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in weightlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, while Lovlina Borgohain won a bronze medal in boxing at the same Games. Chanu also won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Has Lovlina Borgohain won a Commonwealth Games medal before?
No, Lovlina Borgohain has not previously won a Commonwealth Games medal. She is a 2023 World Championship gold medallist and 2023 Asian Games silver medallist, making Glasgow 2026 a key opportunity to add a CWG title to her record.
How many athletes are in India's contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
India's contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow comprises 126 members, who will march at the opening ceremony on 23 July under the leadership of flag bearers Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain.
