NEW DELHI: The 2026 Commonwealth Games came to a spectacular close in Glasgow on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on 11 days of sporting excellence and signalling the beginning of a new chapter for India. In a symbolic and emotional handover ceremony, Scotland formally passed the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha receiving them on behalf of the nation as the countdown to the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad officially began.The glittering closing ceremony at the OVO Hydro celebrated Scotland’s rich cultural heritage before seamlessly transitioning into a vibrant showcase of India’s traditions, music and modern aspirations, underscoring Ahmedabad’s readiness to welcome the Commonwealth in four years’ time.India also departed Glasgow with plenty to celebrate on the sporting front, finishing fourth in the medal standings with an impressive haul of 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze — despite competing with a much smaller contingent and in a significantly reduced sporting programme.
Glasgow hands over the baton to Ahmedabad
The emotional centrepiece of the evening came during the official handover ceremony, where Glasgow formally transferred hosting responsibilities to India.The Commonwealth Games flag made its symbolic journey across the arena before being presented through a distinguished line of dignitaries. Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren handed it to Commonwealth Games Scotland vice-chair Susan Jackson, Scottish netball player Emily Nicholl, Commonwealth Sport president Dr Donald Rukare, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, IOA president PT Usha and finally Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, completing the ceremonial transfer.The occasion marked the official start of the road to Ahmedabad 2030, when India will host the Commonwealth Games for only the second time after New Delhi in 2010. The 2030 edition carried added significance as the centenary Commonwealth Games.Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing King Charles III, formally declared the Games closed while inviting athletes from across the Commonwealth to reunite in India.“Thanks for the manner in which you have competed, officiated, supported and organised the Games. You have once again brought the spirit and value of the Commonwealth tonight. Thank you, Glasgow,” he said.“I call upon athletes of all countries and territories to come to Ahmedabad, India in four years’ time to celebrate the 24th Commonwealth Games in what will be the centenary of the Games.”
India showcases culture, unity and ambition
Following the formal handover, India delivered a breathtaking cultural presentation built around the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The World is One Family.”The showcase unfolded in three acts celebrating India’s diversity, artistic traditions and sporting legacy while inviting the Commonwealth to Ahmedabad.Actor Manushi Chhillar led a visually stunning opening performance commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram, accompanied by hundreds of dancers performing against immersive digital backdrops. Acclaimed composer Shankar Mahadevan’s orchestral score blended Indian classical traditions with contemporary arrangements.A specially curated film then introduced Ahmedabad to the world, portraying Gujarat as a land where centuries-old heritage coexists with modern infrastructure and innovation. The presentation highlighted sport as an integral part of Indian civilisation while positioning Ahmedabad as an ideal host for the landmark centenary Games.One of the ceremony’s defining moments came through an Indo-Scottish musical collaboration titled The Cultural Jugalbandi, where sitar maestro Rishab Sharma performed alongside celebrated Scottish musician Ross Ainslie. Their fusion of Indian classical music with Scottish pipes symbolised the seamless passing of the baton between the outgoing and incoming hosts.The Indian segment concluded with Shankar Mahadevan performing alongside his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, delivering stirring renditions of iconic songs including Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walon, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Ae Watan and Lehara Do. Gujarati singer Bhoomi Trivedi added a special tribute to the host state, ensuring Ahmedabad remained firmly at the heart of India’s invitation to the Commonwealth.Meanwhile, women’s 57kg boxing gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria proudly carried the Indian flag during the closing ceremony.
India signs off with a memorable campaign
Beyond the celebrations, Glasgow proved to be another successful Commonwealth Games for India.The Indian contingent finished fourth with 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze — behind Australia, England and Canada. Hosts Scotland also won 39 medals but finished below India due to a lower silver-medal count.Although India’s total fell short of the 61 medals won in Birmingham four years ago, the comparison hardly reflects the reality of Glasgow. The 2026 programme excluded several sports where India has traditionally excelled, including shooting, wrestling, badminton, hockey and table tennis. In fact, 30 of India’s medals in Birmingham had come from disciplines omitted this time.Despite travelling with just 122 athletes compared to 210 in Birmingham, India maintained its fourth-place finish while recording an outstanding medal conversion rate, with 38 athletes returning home with medals.Boxing spearheaded India’s charge with an exceptional 10-medal haul, including seven gold medals, reaffirming the country’s growing dominance in the sport. Athletics also scripted history, highlighted by Gulveer Singh becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s 5,000m after earlier claiming silver in the 10,000m, making him India’s only double medallist in Glasgow.India’s para athletes enjoyed their most successful Commonwealth Games campaign ever, while judoka, weightlifters and track and field stars consistently added to the medal tally across the 11-day competition.
