India's Two Olympic Heroes Ready to Lead the Nation at Commonwealth Games 2026

India will be led by two of its most accomplished female athletes at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Olympic medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain selected as the country's flag and baton bearers.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that the decorated duo will carry India's colours at the opening ceremony on July 23 at Glasgow's OVO Hydro, marking a symbolic start to the country's campaign at the Games.

Here's everything you need to know about the two athletes.

Who is Mirabai Chanu?

Mirabai Chanu is one of India's greatest-ever weightlifters and among the country's most successful Olympians.

Born in Nongpok Kakching, a village near Imphal in Manipur, Chanu's sporting journey began in humble circumstances. As a child, she became known for her remarkable strength after effortlessly carrying bundles of firewood that even her older brother struggled to lift.

Initially interested in archery, she eventually discovered weightlifting at a local sports complex and was inspired by Indian legend Kunjarani Devi.

Mirabai Chanu biggest achievements

Over the past decade, Chanu has established herself as India's leading weightlifter, winning medals at almost every major international event.

Her career highlights include:

• Olympic silver medal in the women's 49kg category at the Tokyo Olympics
• Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2018 and 2022
• World Championship gold in 2017
• Multiple World Championship silver medals
• Commonwealth Games record holder in the women's 49kg category

One of the defining moments of her career came after the disappointment of the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she failed to register a single successful clean and jerk attempt. Chanu considered retirement before rebuilding her career and eventually claiming Olympic silver in Tokyo.

Although she narrowly missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics, she remains one of India's strongest medal hopes heading into Glasgow.

Who is Lovlina Borgohain?

Lovlina Borgohain is one of India's most decorated female boxers and an Olympic bronze medallist.

Born in Baromukhia village in Assam's Golaghat district, Lovlina grew up in a family with limited financial means. She initially practised Muay Thai alongside her sisters before switching to boxing after impressing coaches during a Sports Authority of India trial in 2012.

Her talent was spotted by coach Padum Boro, who helped lay the foundation for her international career.

Lovlina Borgohain's biggest achievements

Lovlina has steadily become one of India's most consistent performers on the world stage.

Her honours include:

• Olympic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics
• World Champion in the women's 75kg division (2023)
• Asian Championships gold medallist
• Asian Games silver medallist
• Multiple World Championship medallist

Her breakthrough came at the Tokyo Olympics, where she became only the third Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal after Vijender Singh and Mary Kom.

She later added a World Championship gold in 2023, becoming only the second Indian boxer after Mary Kom to win both an Olympic medal and a world title.

Why were Mirabai and Lovlina chosen?

According to IOA president P.T. Usha, selecting Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain reflects their sustained excellence on the international stage and highlights the growing influence of women in Indian sport.

"It is a matter of pride two women have been chosen to do the honours for Team India at the opening ceremony," Usha said while announcing the decision.

Both athletes are expected to be among India's leading medal contenders at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and will headline the country's contingent when the opening ceremony takes place on July 23.

Their selection also continues India's recent tradition of honouring Olympic medallists with ceremonial roles at major multi-sport events, recognising not only their achievements but also their influence as role models for the next generation of Indian athletes.