Lovlina Borgohain opens India’s medal tally ahead before Commonwealth Games 2026 could begin | Explained

India sealed its first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, before the opening ceremony could even begin at the OVO Hydro arena on Thursday. Olympic gold medalist Lovlia Borgohain has assured the country of a podium finish in women's boxing after she guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games is all set to begin in Glasgow. But this year's CWG has some changes, as the organisers excluded nine sporting events from the multi-sport event to reduce costs.

How did Lovlina win Bronze before beginning her campaign in 2026 CWG?

Lovlina, the Indian boxer from Assam, has guaranteed a medal finish without stepping inside the squared circle after receiving a direct bye to the final four(semifinal stage) in the women's 75kg middleweight category.

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According to the Commonwealth Games boxing rules, all the losing semifinalists are presented with a bronze medal, which would guarantee the Indian boxer at least a bronze before she begins her opening bout in Scotland.

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Lovlina was among the three competitors who advanced to the semifinal competition, while the remaining two were slated to contest the lone quarterfinal.

Who will Lovlina face in CWG 2026?

The bye allowed Lovlina to advance to the semifinal and would begin her campaign on July 31 against Tuvalu's Tarona Khanum Badi Pasoni (TKBP) Taafaki in the women's 75kg division. A win would help one of the boxers take a step ahead in the gold medal chase, where they can win at least a silver medal in the quadrennial event.

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Lovlina has been one of India's biggest medal-winning hopes in the 124-member Indian contingent in Glasgow. The challenge for the Assamese boxer would be to deliver in the next two matches and emerge victorious.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will begin with the opening ceremony, which takes place at the OVO Hydro. The ceremony will start at around 12:30 AM IST (around 08:00 PM local time).