CWG 2026: PT Usha backs India for strong medal haul after Glasgow opener
Synopsis
IOA President PT Usha arrived in Glasgow full of confidence — and India's campaign has already opened with a bronze. Para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar's medal in the men's heavyweight category is the first of what Usha expects to be a strong haul across weightlifting, boxing, and athletics at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Key Takeaways
IOA President PT Usha praised the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for a well-executed opening ceremony on 25 July .
Usha expressed confidence that India will win a 'good number of medals' across the 10 sports on the programme.
Para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal — a bronze in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting category.
India's contingent includes several Olympic and world championship medallists expected to lead the medal charge.
Key medal bids in weightlifting , boxing , and athletics are set to begin over the coming days.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on 25 July praised the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for staging a well-executed opening ceremony, saying athletes from all participating nations were honoured with the recognition they deserved. Usha, speaking from Glasgow during the ongoing Games, expressed strong confidence in India's medal prospects across the 10 sports on the programme.
Usha Hails Opening Ceremony
'The opening ceremony was very well organised, and the athletes were honoured beautifully. It was a wonderful experience for everyone,' Usha said, crediting the Glasgow organising committee for creating a warm and positive atmosphere at the start of competition. She noted that the welcome extended to all nations set a strong tone for the fortnight ahead.
India's Medal Prospects
The IOA president expressed confidence in the depth of India's contingent, which has fielded competitors across all 10 disciplines at the Glasgow 2026 edition. Several Olympic and world championship medallists are expected to spearhead the country's challenge. 'We have a talented team, and I am confident India will win a good number of medals here. Our athletes have prepared well, and I wish them the very best for the competition,' she said.
Jhandu Kumar Opens India's Account
Usha also congratulated para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who became India's first medallist at the Games by claiming a bronze in the men's heavyweight category. She described the achievement as an inspiring start to India's campaign. 'Congratulations to Jhandu Kumar on winning India's first medal. His performance is inspiring and will certainly boost the confidence of the entire team,' she said. This comes amid broader expectations that India's medal tally will grow significantly as weightlifting, boxing, and athletics events get underway.
What's Next for India
With the early bronze providing a confidence boost, India's medal contenders in weightlifting, boxing, and athletics are set to begin their campaigns over the coming days. The contingent's performance will be closely watched as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games progress through the week.
Point of View
A slimmer programme than past editions, which concentrates competition and makes each medal more significant. Jhandu Kumar's opening bronze in para-powerlifting is also a reminder that India's disability sports pipeline is quietly maturing, yet it rarely receives the same column inches as able-bodied medal hopes. Whether India converts Usha's optimism into a top-five finish on the tally will depend heavily on how the weightlifting and boxing draws unfold.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PT Usha say about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony?
IOA President PT Usha praised the Glasgow 2026 Organising Committee for staging a well-organised opening ceremony where athletes were 'honoured beautifully.' She said it was a wonderful experience for all participating nations and set a positive tone for the Games.
Who won India's first medal at CWG 2026?
Para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, claiming a bronze in the men's heavyweight category. PT Usha described his achievement as inspiring and said it would boost the confidence of the entire Indian contingent.
How many sports does India's contingent cover at Glasgow 2026?
India has fielded competitors across all 10 sports featured at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The contingent includes several Olympic and world championship medallists expected to challenge for medals.
Which disciplines are India's main medal hopes at CWG 2026?
India's strongest medal prospects at Glasgow 2026 are expected to come from weightlifting, boxing, and athletics, with campaigns in those sports set to begin over the coming days following the opening ceremony.
Why does Glasgow 2026 have only 10 sports on the programme?
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games features a reduced programme of 10 sports compared to previous editions, reflecting organisational and logistical decisions by the host city and Commonwealth Games Federation. This makes competition more concentrated and each medal more keenly contested.
