The countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) has started, and India is ready to show its best athletes on the world stage. The Games will take place in Victoria, Australia, and fans can expect a big celebration of sports, talent, and hard work.
India has a proud history at the CWG. Over the years, Indian athletes have won more than 560 medals, and sports lovers are excited to see who will shine this time.
The Commonwealth Games is one of the world’s largest sports events. It is often called the “Friendly Games” because it brings together athletes from over 50 countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Games happen every four years. They include popular Olympic sports like athletics and swimming and unique ones like lawn bowls and netball. Unlike the Olympics, the CWG focuses on friendship, teamwork, and shared culture.
A Brief History of CWG
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The first edition was held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, with just 11 countries and 400 athletes.
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Since then, it has grown into a global spectacle featuring 70+ nations and territories.
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Over the decades, the Games have evolved to include Para-sports events, making it one of the most inclusive platforms for athletes worldwide.
India’s CWG Journey
India joined the CWG in 1934, and since then, Indian athletes have consistently achieved great success, especially in sports like badminton, wrestling, weightlifting, and shooting.
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In total, the country has won over 500 medals, including an impressive 203 golds.
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Best Year: India’s best year came at the 2010 CWG in Delhi, where the nation secured 101 medals and finished 2nd overall.
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More recently, at the 2022 CWG in Birmingham, India won 61 medals and ranked 4th, despite the fact that shooting was not part of the Games.
Looking ahead, the 2026 CWG in Australia will feature exciting new sports like women’s T20 cricket and coastal rowing. As a result, Indian athletes are training harder than ever to make history once again.
Here are five Indian athletes from Olympic champions to young rising stars-who could win big at the 2026 Games.
1. Neeraj Chopra – Javelin’s Golden Boy
Neeraj Chopra needs no introduction. After creating history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics and dominating the Diamond League, Chopra has become the face of Indian sports. His journey to the 2026 CWG is marked by relentless hard work and technical refinement.
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Training Edge: Neeraj recently trained under legendary coach Jan Železný in Europe to fine-tune his throws. His focus is on building explosive speed and improving his technique for even longer throws.
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CWG Legacy: Having already won gold at the 2022 Birmingham CWG, Neeraj is determined to defend his title and break his personal best record.
2. PV Sindhu – The Badminton Queen
PV Sindhu, one of India’s most decorated badminton stars, remains a fierce competitor on the international circuit. With a silver and bronze at the Olympics and a CWG gold in 2022, she is hungry for more glory in Victoria.
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Training Focus: Sindhu’s preparations include advanced agility drills and strategy sessions in Europe to counter younger, aggressive opponents.
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CWG Goals: The 2026 Games could mark her third CWG appearance, and she’s keen to cement her legacy with another gold.
3. Tejaswin Shankar – High Jump to Decathlon Dominance
Tejaswin Shankar stunned everyone with his high jump bronze at the 2022 CWG. Since then, he has transitioned into the decathlon-a grueling multi-event sport requiring unmatched endurance and versatility.
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Training: From sprint drills to endurance circuits, Shankar’s regime reflects his ambition to excel in multiple disciplines.
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CWG 2026: Tejaswin dreams of becoming India’s first-ever decathlon medalist at the Commonwealth Games.
4. Pragnya Mohan – Triathlon Trailblazer
Triathlon-a sport combining swimming, cycling, and running-is still finding its place in India. Leading the charge is Pragnya Mohan, the country’s highest-ranked triathlete and a multiple national champion.
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CWG Impact: After debuting at the 2022 Birmingham CWG, Pragnya is aiming for a breakthrough performance in Victoria.
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Training: Her preparation includes high-altitude endurance training and perfecting transition techniques between events.
5. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu – The Queen of Strength
Mirabai Chanu, a household name in Indian weightlifting, is preparing for her next big challenge. With a gold at the 2022 CWG and silver at the Tokyo Olympics, she is a medal favorite once again.
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Road to 2026: Chanu is working tirelessly on her snatch and clean-and-jerk techniques, aiming for flawless lifts and higher totals.
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CWG Dream: She aims not just to defend her title but also to set new Commonwealth records in the 49kg category.
India’s Rising CWG Power
The Commonwealth Games have always been a special event for India. In sports like wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, and badminton, Indian athletes have brought home many medals.
With modern training methods, better coaching, and global exposure, India is ready to make 2026 its best CWG ever. From Neeraj Chopra’s golden arm to Mirabai Chanu’s unbeatable strength, these stars promise unforgettable moments in Victoria.
The whole nation is watching. Will these athletes create history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games? The answer could very well be yes.
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