Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu lead India's medal hopes at CWG 2026
India is sending a 125-member contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which features a significantly reduced sports program. Despite the removal of several medal-heavy sports, athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Mirabai Chanu remain strong contenders for gold.
Why it matters
The reduction in the Games' scope forces a recalibration of national sporting expectations and highlights the impact of administrative changes on international competition.
India will begin its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow on Thursday with a compact yet accomplished 125-member contingent aiming to maximise its opportunities in a drastically trimmed programme. The Games, running from July 23Aug 2, feature just 10 sports, forcing India to recalibrate expectations after a highly successful Birmingham campaign four years ago.The Indian squad comprises 77 men and 48 women competing across eight able-bodied and five para disciplines. Athletics forms the backbone of the campaign with 32 competitors, while boxing and judo have 14 athletes each, weightlifting 12 and swimming five.
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