New Delhi:India has formally launched their Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign on Tuesday, July 7, in New Delhi with a ceremonial farewell for the national contingent and the introduction of the official team apparel that athletes will wear during the Games in Glasgow, which is scheduled to begin on July 23.
The event, organised by the Indian
The International Olympic Association (IOA) had assembled members of the contingent, coaches, support staff and senior government officials before the team left for Scotland. The ceremony also saw the first public unveiling of the ceremonial and competition kit that will represent India at the multi-sport event.
Apart from athletes and coaches, the occasion was attended by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, IOA President PT Usha, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal and Deputy Chef de Mission Ravi Bengani.
The official kit, designed by Aaquib Wani and built by JSW Sports, is based on “Invisible Trajectories” and was revealed during a ramp walk with members of the Indian contingent.
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya said, “Many sports where India has traditionally done well will not be part of this edition of the Commonwealth Games but I am confident that our athletes will do well.”
“10 of our best performing sports are not there at the Games in Glasgow. But sport is sport. “I am sure our athletes will perform well, compete with great enthusiasm, enhance the pride of the country and further strengthen the reputation of India in world sport,” Mandaviya said at the event.
The selection process for the squads for major multi-sport events in India has seen significant changes in the recent past and there is an improvement in the process when compared to earlier times, Mandaviya said.
“There was a time when selections were questioned. The teams for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games have been selected by a transparent process today. The selection trials are open, under observation and on camera. He added that the results would be declared in five to ten days.
IOA chief wishes well to all participantsIOA President PT Usha termed the occasion as another important milestone for Indian sport and wished the contingent success before its departure.
“Today is the start of yet another proud chapter in Indian sports. “Every player who wears the India jersey has got this opportunity through years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice. They leave for Glasgow with the hopes of a billion Indians and the values that define our sporting culture. “I wish all the members of Team India best of luck on behalf of the Indian Olympic Association,” she said.
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