India enters the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with expectations of a competitive performance, but the country's overall medal tally is likely to be lower than in recent editions because of the significantly reduced sports programme. Experts believe that the 2026 Games could result in India's smallest medal haul since the 1998 Commonwealth Games, not necessarily because of a decline in performance but largely due to the structure of the event itself.
The 24th edition of the Commonwealth Games is being held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2. Unlike previous editions, the 2026 Games feature a streamlined programme with only a limited number of sports, following a revised hosting model adopted to reduce operational costs and simplify event management.
The reduced schedule has had a major impact on countries like India, which traditionally win a large share of their medals in sports that are absent from this edition. Disciplines such as wrestling, badminton, table tennis, cricket, hockey, shooting, and squash have historically contributed significantly to India's Commonwealth Games success but are not included in the Glasgow programme.
The absence of shooting is particularly significant. Shooting has consistently been one of India's strongest sports at the Commonwealth Games, producing numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals over the years. Similarly, wrestling has been another major contributor to India's medal tally, with Indian wrestlers regularly finishing among the top performers.
Badminton has also played a vital role in India's recent Commonwealth Games campaigns, with leading players winning medals in singles, doubles, and mixed team events. Table tennis has likewise become an important source of medals in recent editions, while cricket made a successful return in Birmingham 2022, where the Indian women's team won a silver medal.
Because these medal rich sports are absent from Glasgow 2026, India's opportunities to compete for podium finishes have been significantly reduced. This structural change is considered the primary reason why analysts expect a lower overall medal count.
Despite these challenges, India remains a strong contender in several sports that are part of the 2026 programme. Athletics, weightlifting, boxing, lawn bowls, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics are expected to provide medal opportunities for the Indian contingent.
Indian athletes competing in these disciplines have undergone extensive preparation and will aim to maximize the country's medal prospects. Several experienced competitors, along with emerging young talents, are expected to represent India during the Games.
Sports experts have emphasized that comparing the 2026 medal tally directly with previous Commonwealth Games may not provide a complete picture because the number of available medals has been substantially reduced. The overall performance should instead be assessed based on the events included in the Glasgow programme.
India has traditionally ranked among the leading nations at the Commonwealth Games. At the Birmingham 2022 Games, the country finished fourth in the overall medal standings with an impressive collection of medals across multiple sports. Previous editions in Gold Coast and Delhi also saw India achieve strong results through consistent performances in its traditional strengths.
The Glasgow edition presents a different challenge, with fewer sports and a more compact competition schedule. As a result, even countries with strong sporting traditions are expected to record lower overall medal counts compared with previous Games.
Sports administrators remain optimistic that Indian athletes will continue to deliver competitive performances despite the limited programme. Success in the available disciplines could still enable India to maintain a strong position in the medal table, even if the final tally is lower than in previous editions.
As the Commonwealth Games 2026 progress, the focus will not only be on the total number of medals but also on the quality of performances delivered by Indian athletes. The Games provide an important international platform for competitors to showcase their abilities, gain valuable experience, and strengthen India's reputation in global sport despite the unique challenges posed by this year's revised competition format.