Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain named India's flagbearers for CWG 2026

Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain have been named India's flagbearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced on Saturday.

IOA president PT Usha confirmed that the decorated duo will lead the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony on July 23. She said the honour reflected the pair's outstanding achievements and expressed confidence that they would inspire the entire Indian team.

Mirabai, a Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, has enjoyed an illustrious Commonwealth Games career. She won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Games before successfully defending her title at Birmingham 2022. The 31-year-old has also claimed medals at the World Championships and Asian Championships, cementing her status as one of India's greatest weightlifters.

Decorated duo to lead India

Lovlina, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, has established herself as one of India's leading boxers with medals at the World Championships, Asian Championships and Asian Games. The Assamese boxer claimed the world title in 2023 and followed it up with a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games later that year.

Both athletes are currently training in the United Kingdom ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

India has been grouped alongside Malaysia, Syria and Iraq for the mixed team badminton competition, while the country's athletes will compete across multiple disciplines during the July 23 to August 2 showpiece in Glasgow.

The appointment of Mirabai and Lovlina as flagbearers recognises two of India's most accomplished athletes, who will lead the contingent into the opening ceremony as the nation begins its Commonwealth Games campaign.