Commonwealth Games 2026: From Neeraj Chopra to Mirabai Chanu, here are 5 Indian players leading medal hopes in Glasgow

India will start its Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign in Glasgow on Thursday with a 125-member squad looking to make the most of its chances in a significantly reduced sporting programme. The Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, will feature only 10 sports, requiring India to adjust its medal expectations after a strong performance at the Birmingham edition four years ago.

Who are the athletes leading India’s medal hopes at the Commonwealth Games 2026? Here’s a look at the key contenders expected to challenge for podium finishes.

1. Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw)

There is no bigger star in India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 squad than Neeraj Chopra. After missing the Birmingham Games due to injury, the Olympic champion returns to the Commonwealth stage with another chance to claim a major medal. Neeraj made his comeback this season after recovering from injury and has gradually regained his form. He has recorded a best throw of 85.69 metres so far, which is below his personal best, but expectations remain high that he will reach his peak performance at the right moment in Glasgow.

2. Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)

Whenever Mirabai Chanu competes at the Commonwealth Games, expectations are naturally high. The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist and former Commonwealth champion continues to be one of India’s strongest contenders for a gold medal. Despite facing injury challenges in recent years, Mirabai has maintained her position among the world’s leading weightlifters and will aim to deliver another dominant performance in her category.

3. Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)

Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain will carry India’s boxing hopes at the Games. The talented boxer has already established herself as one of India’s leading fighters and will look to add a Commonwealth Games medal to her growing list of achievements.

4. Tejinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put)

One of India’s most accomplished shot put athletes, Tejinderpal Singh Toor, will enter the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a season-best effort of 21.03 metres. Despite his impressive international record, Toor is yet to secure a Commonwealth Games medal and will be determined to end that wait in Glasgow. He is expected to face strong competition from Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and England’s Scott Lincoln, both of whom have regularly crossed the 21-metre mark this season.

5. Murali Sreeshankar (Long Jump)

Murali Sreeshankar has made an impressive comeback after recovering from a career-threatening patellar tendon injury and will enter the Commonwealth Games 2026 in strong form. The long jumper has already registered a season-best leap of 8.38 metres, slightly better than Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle, who has recorded 8.37 metres. If Sreeshankar can deliver a similar performance in Glasgow, he could put himself in contention for a Commonwealth Games gold medal.