PM Modi sends message to Indian athletes at Commonwealth Games

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to the Indian team taking part in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. He shared his confidence that the country’s sports stars would perform with drive, grit, and commitment to greatness, continuing to motivate athletes across the nation.

Scheduled from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, the 2026 multi-sport spectacle features an Indian delegation of over 120 competitors contesting events across eight able-bodied disciplines and five para sports, aiming to expand upon the country’s distinguished medal history.

“As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. 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,” PM Modi wrote in an X post. 

As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent.

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… pic.twitter.com/caenX35LdG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2026

Mirabai Chanu was India’s flag bearer at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu carried the national tricolour as India’s flag-bearer during the grand opening ceremony held at Glasgow’s Hydro Stadium.

India started its campaign on a winning note in lawn bowls. Former Commonwealth gold winners Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki earned a hard-fought win against Malta in the women’s fours, while Putul Sonowal created a major upset by overcoming world champion Ryan Bester in the men’s singles.

The Indian women dominated the opening set 7-1, but Malta staged a comeback in the second set to force a tie-breaker, where Pinki delivered a game-winning final bowl to secure the victory.

In his Section D opener, Sonowal held his nerve to claim the first set 5-4. Bester fired back with a 7-3 scoreline in the second set before Sonowal closed out the match.

Sonowal is set to meet Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his upcoming men’s singles Section D clash, while the duo of Pinki and Rupa will square off against South Africa in their next women’s pairs game. Both fixtures will be played on Friday.

At Glasgow 2026, the bowls discipline commenced with round-robin group fixtures, where participants competed to secure progression into the elimination rounds of the Commonwealth Games.

(With inputs from ANI)

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