By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
India’s campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has so far fallen short of expectations, with the country languishing at ninth place in the medal standings with just two gold, seven silver and three bronze medals, even as traditional sporting powerhouses Australia, Canada and England dominate the competition.
Australia has surged to the top of the table with 35 gold medals and an overall haul of 80, followed by Canada (13 gold) and England (10 gold). India, despite winning 12 medals overall, has managed only two golds, which has pushed it below countries such as Scotland, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Africa and New Zealand.
While the tally appears modest, it also reflects the changing complexion of the Glasgow Games. The 2026 edition features only 10 sports, a sharp reduction from previous Games, with medal-rich disciplines such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, table tennis and cricket absent from the programme. These events have traditionally contributed a significant share of India’s medal haul at the Commonwealth Games.
India’s medals have largely come from weightlifting, athletics and para events, while boxers have kept hopes alive by assuring several more podium finishes after reaching the semifinals in multiple weight categories. The athletics programme, including Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event, is also expected to boost India’s tally in the closing days.
Sports analysts believe it would be unfair to judge India’s overall performance solely by its current position in the medal table. The absence of several sports where India traditionally excels has significantly reduced medal opportunities, while countries such as Australia and England have continued to dominate swimming, cycling and gymnastics, disciplines that account for a large share of the medals on offer.
With several medal events still to come, particularly in boxing and athletics, India has an opportunity to improve both its tally and its standing before the Games conclude on August 2.