Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain Named India's CWG Flagbearers

Weightlifting superstar Mirabai Chanu and Olympic bronze medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain will lead the Indian contingent as flagbearers for the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association confirmed their selection on Saturday, highlighting their consistent excellence on the global stage. Chanu, a former world champion and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, joins Borgohain, who secured bronze in Tokyo and maintained her form through the Paris cycle. The duo will carry the national flag together during the parade of nations, representing India's aspirations in Scotland.

The choice of Chanu and Borgohain reflects their status as premier athletes who have repeatedly delivered under pressure. Chanu has been a dominant force in the 49kg weightlifting category, while Borgohain’s transition to higher weight classes in boxing has kept her among the world's elite. Their selection aims to inspire the 200-plus Indian athletes participating in this edition of the games. Historically, India uses the Commonwealth Games as a launchpad for younger talent, but the presence of these veterans ensures a sense of calm and experienced leadership for the younger debutants.

India expects to maintain its top-five position in the overall medal tally as the Glasgow games commence. The opening ceremony sets the tone for the fortnight-long event, where disciplines like wrestling, boxing, and weightlifting are expected to yield the highest returns. Indian fans can watch the proceedings live as the country aims to surpass its previous haul from Birmingham. This selection also marks a significant moment for North Eastern India, as both flagbearers hail from the region. The immediate focus now shifts to the preliminary rounds of their respective weight categories following the ceremony.