IOA gives grand send-off to India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 contingent
The Indian Olympic Association gave a grand send-off to India's Commonwealth Games 2026 contingent in New Delhi and unveiled the official team kit. India will field 124 competitors across 10 disciplines at the Glasgow Games, beginning on July 23
Hyderabad: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Tuesday accorded a grand send-off in New Delhi to India’s contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2026 while unveiling the official ceremonial and competition kit that Team India will wear at the Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
The ceremony brought together athletes, coaches, support staff, dignitaries and partners as Team India embarks on its journey to Scotland with hopes of another successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
The event was attended by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports; Dr PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association; Her Excellency Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India; Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles; Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Department of Sports; Rohit Rajpal, Chef de Mission; and Ravi Bengani, Deputy Chef de Mission, alongside athletes, coaches and corporate partners.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, said, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is building a world-class sporting ecosystem that empowers our athletes to realise their full potential. Our athletes are the ambassadors of New India’s sporting excellence, determination and aspirations. As Team India embarks on its journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, I urge every athlete to compete fearlessly, uphold the highest spirit of sportsmanship and give their very best. The Government of India stands firmly behind each one of you and remains committed to providing every possible support to help you bring glory to the nation.”
Dr PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association, added, “Today marks the beginning of another proud chapter for Indian sport. Every athlete wearing the India jersey has earned this opportunity through years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice. As they leave for Glasgow, they carry with them the hopes of a billion Indians and the values that define our sporting culture. On behalf of the Indian Olympic Association, I wish every member of Team India the very best.”
Her Excellency Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, added, “I was delighted to be able to extend my best wishes to Team India in person as they head to Glasgow. These Games will showcase not only athletic excellence but also the unity, diversity and enduring spirit of the Commonwealth. Sport is a hugely important part of the ties between the people of the UK and India. I know India is already preparing to welcome the Commonwealth sporting community to Ahmedabad for the centenary Games in 2030. We look forward to welcoming India’s star athletes to the UK and wish them every success.”
Designed by acclaimed designer Aaquib Wani and developed by JSW Sports, the official Commonwealth Games 2026 kit is inspired by the concept of ‘Invisible Trajectories’.
“‘Rukna Nahin Hai’ is more than a slogan. It is JSW’s commitment to Indian sport. We’ve always worked to develop athletes and take pride in their global successes. Partnering with the IOA strengthens our mission to nurture talent nationwide. I see the jersey as our armour, designed with the athlete at the core. I urge every Indian to buy one and wear it with pride as we stand united behind Team India at the Commonwealth Games,” said Parth Jindal, Founder, JSW Sports.
The Indian Olympic Association also thanked its corporate partners for their crucial support. Team India’s campaign in Glasgow is backed by Reliance Foundation Sports, Yes Bank, JSW Inspire, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Adani Sportsline as Principal Sponsors, alongside Amul as the Associate Sponsor. This strong backing highlights a shared commitment to providing India’s athletes with the best possible resources to succeed on the global stage.
The Indian contingent will be led by Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal, who will oversee Team India’s campaign in Glasgow alongside Deputy Chef de Mission Ravi Bengani, ensuring athletes receive comprehensive support throughout the Games.
For the Glasgow Games, India is sending a strong contingent of 124 competitors, featuring both able-bodied and para-athletes. The team will compete across 10 disciplines, including athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, gymnastics, cycling, lawn bowls and swimming, along with para-athletics, para-wheelchair basketball, para-powerlifting, para-swimming and para-track cycling.
