Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain led India’s contingent into Glasgow’s Hydro Arena as the Commonwealth Games 2026 officially opened with a celebration of Scottish culture on Thursday.
The first indoor opening ceremony in Commonwealth Games history welcomed athletes from 74 participating nations and territories with a distinctly Scottish showcase blending music, folklore and popular culture.
India’s CWG contingent wore dark blue blazers and trousers as the team’s official ceremonial kit, featuring a contemporary design infused with traditional Indian elements.
The Parade of Nations began with Botswana entering the arena first, followed by athletes from Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Oceania and Europe.
Unlike Birmingham 2022, where each nation was represented by two flag bearers, Glasgow 2026 introduced a new format featuring one flag bearer and one baton bearer for every participating Commonwealth nation and territory.
The ceremony opened with a Doctor Who-inspired sequence featuring six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy before King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a theatrical entrance through the iconic TARDIS.
A pre-recorded film followed the time machine on a chaotic journey across Scotland, accidentally piloted by Hoy and Scottish actor Greg McHugh before arriving at the Hydro with the royal couple.
The loudest applause of the evening greeted Team Scotland, led by decorated bowls player Alex Marshall, before a stirring rendition of Flower of Scotland echoed around the arena.
The cultural programme also celebrated Scottish folklore, with actor Sam Heughan appearing alongside a digital Loch Ness Monster. Singer Nathan Evans performed Home, while Callum Beattie took to the stage with Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, accompanied by dancers dressed as unicorns, Scotland’s national animal.
The ceremony concluded with the Commonwealth Flag being carried into the arena and hoisted, before athletes Paul Foster, Robyn Love and Leslie Roy delivered the Commonwealth Oath on behalf of the athletes, officials and judges.
read more: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/commonwealth-games-2026-glasgow-opening-ceremony-india-report
