Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 1 Highlights: Rupa-Pinki, Putul make winning start in Bowls

That's all we have from Day 1 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games from India. 

Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh helped the nation off to a winning start at the Games, winning their match against Malta in Bowls' women's pairs.

Putul Sonowal extended the winning streak, beating veteran men's singles bowls star Ryan Bester of Canada on his Commonwealth Games debut.

The opening ceremony for the Games is set for 12:30 am IST.

A lot more action lined up for tomorrow on Day 2, in sports ranging from gymnastics to swimming to para-powerlifting and others. Do join us then!

News coming in that weightlifter Dilbag Singh has been withdrawn from the Indian contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and has been sent back home from Glasgow.

This comes after a total of five weightlifters tested positive for doping in the period from 1 June, 2025 to 22 July, 2026, cutting out India's five quota places for the Games, as per the rules.

Though Dilbag hasn't been found doping, he has to take the brunt of it. Read more here.

Putul Sonowal v/s Ryan Bester was the first match of the Section D in men's singles. The Indian, surely, will have a target on his back heading deeper into the tournament.

Putul Sonowal does it. He holds his nerves in the tiebreak. He takes down Ryan Bester, one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport.

The reigning Asian Champion has made his intentions clear. He is going all out!

Putul Sonowal wins the final end of the second set. He pockets a point, but it doesn't matter as he concedes the set 3-7.

Off we head into a tie-breaker...

Ryan Bester wins a point apiece in the fifth and sixth end to extend his lead to 7-2. There's an end remaining, but Putul Sonowal is now staring at a tie-break.

Ryan Bester wins a point in the third end and then pockets two in the fourth. The second set has suddenly opened up completely in favour of the Canadian.

Putul Sonowal is down 2-5 with three ends left.

Putul Sonowal isn't the one to give up that easily. Wins the second end and pockets two points. It could have been even more, but was just short by millimeters.

The measuring tape had to be brought out to count the distance there.

The score is now level at 2-2 after two ends in the second set.

Ryan Bester is out with vengeance. Once again turns around the end with one delivery and pockets two points to go up 2-0 after the first end in second set.