CWG 2026: Can India Extend Its Top-5 Legacy? Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu Lead Medal Charge

Brief By Newsbrief / 5:36 PM on 24 Jul 2026

India enters the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026 with the challenge of preserving its remarkable streak of finishing among the top five nations in the medal standings—a feat it has achieved in every edition since the 2002 Manchester Games. However, this year's competition presents a tougher test due to a reduced sporting programme and the absence of several disciplines that have traditionally contributed to India's medal tally.

The Glasgow Games, beginning on July 23, feature only 10 sports, with nearly 3,000 athletes from around 74 countries competing across four venues. Sports such as hockey, wrestling, badminton, table tennis, and shooting, which accounted for nearly half of India's 61 medals at Birmingham 2022, are not part of this edition.

As a result, India's medal hopes will depend heavily on athletics, boxing, and weightlifting. Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra will headline the athletics squad, although he is expected to face stiff competition from Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga in the men's javelin throw. India will also look to athletes such as Murali Sreeshankar, Sarvesh Kushare, Praveen Chithravel, and both the men's and women's 4x400m relay teams for podium finishes.

In weightlifting, Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will attempt to win her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Meanwhile, boxing is expected to be India's strongest medal-producing sport, with leading contenders including Lovlina Borgohain, Jasmine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Sakshi Chaudhary, Arundhati Chaudhary, Narendra Berwal, and Sachin Siwach.

India will also aim for medals in lawn bowls, judo, para sports, artistic gymnastics, and wheelchair basketball. Despite a smaller medal pool, the Indian contingent remains determined to continue its impressive Commonwealth Games legacy and secure another top-five finish.