Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain named India's flag and baton bearers for CWG 2026 opening ceremony

In an announcement by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain have been chosen to spearhead the Indian delegation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow. The two decorated athletes are set to share the honors as India's official flag and baton bearers when the multi-sport event kicks off at the OVO Hydro arena.

Mirabai, Lovlina to be flag and baton bearers in CWG opening ceremony

Expressing her pride in the selection, IOA President PT Usha highlighted that bestowing this honor upon the dual Olympians is a direct recognition of their immense impact on Indian sports. In an official statement, Usha extended her heartfelt support to the duo and expressed her optimism for the entire national squad's success in the upcoming competition.

This prestigious responsibility marks yet another career milestone for Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain, firmly cementing their status as two of India's elite international competitors. The champion duo will have the distinct privilege of fronting a massive 126-member national contingent, carrying the country's hopes into one of the most prominent multi-sport tournaments on the global calendar.

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Mirabai Chanu sets sights on podium

As the competition approaches, Mirabai stands out as one of India's absolute best bets for a podium finish in weightlifting. The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist remains a household name in Indian sports due to her unwavering consistency at the highest level. Though she suffered a heartbreak by narrowly missing a medal at the Paris 2024 Games, she has bounced back with sharp focus and a determination to uphold her dominant reputation.

The powerhouse lifter from Manipur boasts a glittering resume stacked with numerous World Championship accolades. Furthermore, her brilliant gold-medal triumph at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games serves as a proven testament to her composure and ability to deliver when the stakes are at their absolute highest.

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Alongside Mirabai, elite boxer Lovlina Borgohain will co-lead the national delegation, bringing her own formidable international pedigree to the forefront. Since securing a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the Assam-born fighter has solidified her reputation as one of the most reliable and dominant forces in Indian boxing. As she heads into Glasgow, her sights are firmly set on capturing her very first Commonwealth Games medal.

Lovlina's trophy cabinet has expanded significantly in recent years, highlighted by a gold-medal triumph at the 2023 World Boxing Championships and a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games. She and Mirabai are currently fine-tuning their training in the United Kingdom, putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the rest of the Indian squad wraps up its pre-tournament camps.

By placing these two trailblazers at the head of the opening ceremony, sports officials hope to inject an extra burst of inspiration throughout the camp. Serving as the symbolic heartbeat of the 126-member squad, their leadership is expected to galvanize the entire Indian contingent as the country aims for a dominant, medal-heavy campaign in Glasgow.