Why in News?
India ended its campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 (CWG 2026) with 39 medals (13 gold, 17 silver, 9 bronze). This performance was considered special because traditional medal-winning sports for India like shooting, wrestling, badminton, hockey and table tennis were not part of this edition.
Importance
- India has maintained its position among the top five countries in the Commonwealth Games continuously since 2002.
- Despite the exclusion of several major sports, India still finished at fourth place in the 2026 edition reflecting its sporting capability.
- India's performance in sports like boxing, athletics and weightlifting is getting stronger continuously.
- Indian athletes achieved several historic milestones, showcasing the country's growing talent across different sports.
- This performance will also strengthen preparations for the upcoming Asian Games and Olympic Games.
Key Points
- India finished fourth in the overall medal tally after Australia, England and Canada.
- Australia finished first with 171 medals (70 gold), England finished second with 110 medals and Canada finished third with 62 medals.
- Boxing was India's best performing sport where India won 10 medals including 7 gold medals. This is the highest number of gold medals won in boxing by any nation in a single edition of the Commonwealth Games.
- India won 16 medals in athletics while 8 medals in weightlifting. Asmita De became the first Indian judo player to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
- Harsh Singh became the first Indian male judo player to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
- Sharmila Dhankar became the first Indian para-athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the women's shot put F57 event.
- Mirabai Chanu strengthened her position among the most successful Indian weightlifters in the history of the Games by winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Static Facts
- Host City (2026): Glasgow, Scotland
- Duration of Event: 23 July – 2 August 2026
- Participating Countries and Territories: 72
- Organising Body: Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
- India's Rank (2026): Fourth place
- India's Medal Performance: 13 gold, 17 silver, 9 bronze (total 39)
- Top Country in Medal Tally: Australia
About Commonwealth Games
- The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport competition held for athletes of Commonwealth countries.
- It was first held in 1930.
- These Games are conducted by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and are held once every four years.
Objectives of the Commonwealth Games
- To promote sporting excellence among Commonwealth countries.
- To strengthen friendship and cooperation through sports.
- To encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
