130 Athletes, One Mission: India Eyes Commonwealth Glory in Scotland

India is set to field a contingent of around 125 to 130 athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow , with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirming that preparations are in full swing ahead of the multi-sport event scheduled from July 23 to August 2 .

Speaking in New Delhi on Friday, IOA Chief Executive Officer Raghuram Iyer said the country will participate in eight able-bodied sports and four para sports , with support staff making up roughly one third of the travelling contingent. The final list of athletes is expected to be announced after June 23, the deadline for submitting entries to the Games organisers.

The Glasgow edition marks a significantly scaled down Commonwealth Games. While the 2022 Birmingham Games featured 19 able-bodied and eight para sports, the 2026 programme has been reduced to 10 able-bodied and six para disciplines as part of efforts to keep costs under control. Glasgow stepped in to host the event after Australia's Victoria state withdrew because of escalating expenses.

India had enjoyed a successful outing in Birmingham, winning 61 medals, including 22 gold , and finishing fourth in the overall standings. Officials are hopeful of another strong performance despite the reduced programme.

Iyer said preparations are progressing smoothly, with national sports federations already submitting their selected teams. Planning for uniforms, ceremonial attire, logistics and training camps is underway, while the IOA has held multiple meetings with federations to review their pre Games preparations.

The Games will also carry special significance for India as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad . During the closing ceremony in Glasgow, India will receive the Commonwealth Sport flag, officially beginning the countdown to the centenary edition of the event. Iyer hinted at a unique cultural presentation from Ahmedabad during the handover ceremony.

On the issue of team selection controversies, the IOA made its position clear. Amid the recent debate surrounding Manika Batra's omission from the Asian Games table tennis squad , Iyer said selection decisions are the responsibility of the respective national federations and that the IOA would not interfere as long as established selection policies are followed.

Beyond Glasgow, the IOA is also preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan , where India is expected to send a contingent of more than 700 athletes. Simultaneously, discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) continue regarding India's ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad , with the country remaining in the ongoing dialogue phase of the host selection process.