Top 7 Indian Athletes to Watch at the Commonwealth Games 2026

The Commonwealth Games 2026 get underway in Glasgow on July 23, with India facing one of its toughest campaigns in recent history. The removal of traditional medal-rich sports such as wrestling, badminton, shooting and table tennis has significantly reduced India's opportunities to challenge for a massive medal haul.

Despite that setback, India has sent a 125-member contingent, with hopes pinned on athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo and para sports to maintain the country's impressive record of finishing among the top five nations in the medal standings.

While dozens of Indian athletes will compete across the 10 sports on the programme, a handful stand out as genuine medal contenders who could define India's campaign.

Here are the top seven Indian athletes to watch in Glasgow.

1. Neeraj Chopra (Athletics – Men's Javelin Throw)

No Indian athlete enters the Commonwealth Games with greater expectations than Neeraj Chopra. The two-time Olympic medallist has been India's biggest sporting icon over the past few years, consistently delivering medals at the world's biggest championships. However, Glasgow presents a different challenge.

Unlike previous major events, Chopra does not arrive as the overwhelming favourite. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga, who threw a sensational 92.62m earlier this season, and Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem are expected to provide fierce competition.

Even so, Neeraj's remarkable consistency in pressure situations makes him India's strongest gold medal prospect.

If he performs anywhere near his best, another Commonwealth podium appears well within reach.

2. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting – 48kg)

Few athletes have been as dependable for India as Mirabai Chanu. The Olympic silver medallist and former world champion is aiming for an extraordinary third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, further cementing her legacy as one of India's greatest weightlifters.

Known for her composure under pressure and exceptional clean and jerk ability, Mirabai remains among the world's elite despite battling injuries over recent seasons. With weightlifting contributing fewer medal opportunities this year, India's hopes in the sport will once again revolve around the Manipuri star.

3. Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing – 75kg)

Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain enters Glasgow chasing the one major title missing from her impressive collection. Since moving up to the 75kg category, Lovlina has adapted brilliantly, combining defensive discipline with sharp counter-attacking skills. Her experience at Olympic, World Championship and Asian level makes her one of India's safest medal bets.

Should she maintain her recent form, Lovlina has every chance of standing atop the Commonwealth podium for the first time.

4. Parul Chaudhary (Athletics – 3000m Steeplechase / 5000m)

Distance runner Parul Chaudhary has emerged as one of India's most consistent athletes over the past two seasons. Fresh from breaking the national record in the women's 5000m with a time of 15:04.26, Parul heads to Glasgow in career-best form. Her tactical intelligence, finishing speed and ability to perform in championship races make her a genuine medal contender in both the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m.

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With India's middle-distance programme improving steadily, Parul could become one of the biggest success stories of the Games.

5. Jaismine Lamboria (Boxing – 57kg)

World champion Jaismine Lamboria represents the next generation of Indian boxing. After capturing gold at the 2025 World Boxing Championships, she has established herself among the best featherweight boxers in the world. Her combination of speed, reach and tactical awareness allows her to control bouts against elite opponents.

Already a Commonwealth bronze medallist from Birmingham, Jaismine enters Glasgow determined to upgrade that medal to gold. Given her recent performances, she possesses all the attributes needed to do exactly that.

6. Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon & High Jump)

Indian Decathlon National Record Holder comes into the games as a strong medal prospect in a field with Canadian and European countries. He is also competing in the high jump event.

He has been in good form and has been training overseas for CWG; it will be interesting to see how he performs at these games

7. Bindyarani Devi (Weightlifting – 58kg)

Another major medal prospect comes from India's traditionally strong weightlifting programme. Bindyarani Devi has steadily developed into one of India's premier lifters, combining explosive strength with remarkable consistency. After winning silver at the previous Commonwealth Games, she now arrives in Glasgow aiming for an even bigger prize.

Her personal best totals place her among the strongest competitors in the field, and if she produces lifts close to her peak, a podium finish looks well within reach.

Although the list focuses on seven standout athletes, India possesses several other genuine medal contenders.

Sreeshankar remains one of Asia's leading long jumpers, while Sarvesh Kushare has consistently challenged the continent's best in the high jump. Young high jumper Pooja Singh, who recently broke the long-standing senior national record, could announce herself on the international stage despite her age.

Judoka Tulika Maan, discus thrower Seema Kaliramna, boxer Preeti Pawar, and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel are also capable of producing podium finishes if they perform to their potential.

Glasgow 2026 will be unlike any recent Commonwealth Games. With several of India's traditional medal-winning sports missing from the programme, success will depend on the country's ability to deliver across athletics, boxing, weightlifting and other Olympic disciplines.

That shift also presents an opportunity.

Rather than relying on a handful of sports, India now has the chance to showcase the growing depth of its Olympic programme. Led by stars like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain, alongside an exciting generation of emerging athletes, India enters Glasgow determined to prove that it remains one of the Commonwealth's leading sporting nations.

If these seven stars perform to expectations, India's remarkable run of top-five finishes at the Commonwealth Games could continue despite the toughest challenge it has faced in over two decades.