The Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, scheduled for July 23 to August 2, will feature a leaner 10-sport programme, excluding the events in which India excels, like hockey, badminton, shooting, wrestling and cricket. As a result, India will rely on its elite track and field athletes, weightlifters, and boxers to bring home the medals. And, despite a smaller overall contingent, India is fielding world-class talent capable of dominating the podium, featuring none other than their golden boy Neeraj Chopra. Here is a look at five of India’s best medal contenders heading into the 2026 Games:
Indian Medal Contenders at Commonwealth Games 2026:
1. Neeraj Chopra (Athletics – Javelin Throw)
Undeniably the biggest star in Indian sports, the double Olympic medallist and 2018 Commonwealth Games champion is the favourite to strike gold in Glasgow. Chopra recently returned to competitive action in June 2026 at the Doha Diamond League. Overcoming a lengthy injury layoff, he finished fourth but surpassed the Commonwealth Games qualification standard with a strong throw of 85.69m.
2. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is a near-guaranteed podium threat in the women’s 48kg weightlifting category. The Tokyo Olympic medallist and defending Commonwealth champion made a triumphant return at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in Ahmedabad. She dominated the field, winning gold and setting new Commonwealth records with an 84kg snatch and a 109kg clean and jerk (193kg total). That spectacular performance also sealed her direct qualification for the 2026 Games.
3. Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)
The Tokyo Olympic medallist remains one of India’s strongest boxing hopes. Since successfully transitioning to the heavier 75kg weight class, her 2026 campaign has been flawless so far. She won the National Boxing Championship title in January, followed by a gold medal at the Boxam Elite International in Spain. Most recently, in June 2026, she secured another dominant gold at the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix in Czechia.
4. Parul Chaudhary (Athletics – Distance Running)
Parul Chaudhary brings medal hopes to the track in the 5000m and 3000m steeplechase events. She has been in spectacular form this season, recently shattering her own 5000m national record by clocking a stunning 15:04.26 at the Meeting Nikaia 2026 in Nice, France.
5. Murali Sreeshankar (Athletics – Long Jump)
After a severe knee injury tragically ruled him out of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Murali Sreeshankar has mounted a phenomenal comeback. The 27-year-old long jumper opened his 2026 season by winning the Indian Athletics Series in Bengaluru with an 8.15 m leap. He recently matched his incredible personal best of 8.38m at the Inter-State Championships. Having already won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a fully recovered and confident Sreeshankar is now eyeing the top step of the podium.
