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Commonwealth Sport delegation begins four-day Gujarat visit to review preparations for 2030 Games  A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.CM Patel wrote on        X, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”READ: Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.Published on Apr 08, 2026  #Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games

Commonwealth Sport delegation begins four-day Gujarat visit to review preparations for 2030 Games

A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.

The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.

Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.

The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.

Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.

CM Patel wrote on X, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”

READ: Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now

“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.

The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.

“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.

Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.

“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.

During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.

Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.

Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games

A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.

The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.

Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.

The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.

Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.

CM Patel wrote on X, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”

READ: Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now

“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.

The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.

“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.

Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.

“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.

During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.

Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.

Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28679633.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28679633.jpg" alt="NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berth

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Kayla McBride is a top 10 scorer in the WNBA, averaging 18.2 points and shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc. She’s the second-leading scorer on the best team in the league — the Minnesota Lynx — and she’s a strong defender, too.

So, it comes as a surprise that she wasn’t selected as an All-Star reserve this season, especially when the league had the chance to appoint her as an injury reserve on Wednesday.

McBride has been named an All-Star five times in her career, including the last two seasons with the Lynx. But this year, the Lynx are represented by Natasha Howard, Olivia Miles, and Courtney Williams in the All-Star game, and McBride is the odd one out. All three players have deserving cases — and Howard and Miles were selected as starters — but it seems wrong that the 34-year-old was snubbed.

Part of why McBride was named an All-Star is because her scoring rampage is more recent — she was the Lynx’s leading scorer for eight straight games between July 3rd and July 20th, and was named Western Conference Player of the Week last week. So, her best stretch of basketball came after All-Star fan and media voting had closed, and even before coaches selected All-Star reserves.

The full list of All-Star starters includes Caitlin Clark (IND), Paige Bueckers (DAL), A’ja Wilson (LVA), Breanna Stewart (NYL), Olivia Miles (MIN), Kelsey Mitchell (IND), Aliyah Boston (IND), Natasha Howard (MIN), Jessica Shepard (DAL), and Gabby Williams (GSV).

The full list of All-Star reserves includes Rhyne Howard (ATL), Angel Reese (ATL), Allisha Gray (ATL), Marina Mabrey (TOR), Jonquel Jones (NYL), Dominique Malonga (SEA), Courtney Williams (MIN), Kelsey Plum (LAS), Kiki Iriafen (WAS), Jackie Young (LVA), Nneka Ogwumike (LAS), and Sonia Citron (WAS).

But the league had another chance to reward McBride with an All-Star selection, and they whiffed.

Kayla McBride probably should have been picked over Kahleah Copper for the All-Star replacement

Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum is sidelined with a leg injury, and the WNBA announced Wednesday night that Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper is the injury replacement.

Copper has had a good season; she’s the 7th-leading scorer in the WNBA, averaging 20.5 points per game, and her efficiency has increased after a sluggish start to the year. But she’s still shooting 42.8% from the field and 27.5% from three, marks that are far lower than McBride’s (who is shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.8% from three).

Most importantly, Copper headlines a Mercury squad that is 10-18 and out of the playoff race. (In comparison, the Lynx are 22-6 with a league-best +8.7 point differential). Therefore, it’s hard to make the case that Copper earned the selection over McBride, both when you look at the two players’ counting stats and their impact on winning.

McBride isn’t the only player who has an All-Star case but wasn’t ultimately selected: Carla Leite, Natisha Hiedeman, Shakira Austin, and Alyssa Thomas have all had strong seasons too, among others.

“Mac has really put us on her back,” Napheesa Collier said Wednesday. “This tear that she’s on has been so clutch … Also, she’s a huge reason I wanted to get back on the court, too. Like, ‘Mac looks like she’s having so much fun. I want to get out there.’”

If there’s one more injury replacement selection, McBride should be the no-brainer pick. If not, she’ll enjoy a much-deserved break after an elite first half of the season.

#major #WNBA #AllStar #snub #season">There’s 1 major WNBA All-Star snub this season  Kayla McBride is a top 10 scorer in the WNBA, averaging 18.2 points and shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc. She’s the second-leading scorer on the best team in the league — the Minnesota Lynx — and she’s a strong defender, too.So, it comes as a surprise that she wasn’t selected as an All-Star reserve this season, especially when the league had the chance to appoint her as an injury reserve on Wednesday.McBride has been named an All-Star five times in her career, including the last two seasons with the Lynx. But this year, the Lynx are represented by Natasha Howard, Olivia Miles, and Courtney Williams in the All-Star game, and McBride is the odd one out. All three players have deserving cases — and Howard and Miles were selected as starters — but it seems wrong that the 34-year-old was snubbed.Part of why McBride was named an All-Star is because her scoring rampage is more recent — she was the Lynx’s leading scorer for eight straight games between July 3rd and July 20th, and was named Western Conference Player of the Week last week. So, her best stretch of basketball came after All-Star fan and media voting had closed, and even before coaches selected All-Star reserves.The full list of All-Star starters includes Caitlin Clark (IND), Paige Bueckers (DAL), A’ja Wilson (LVA), Breanna Stewart (NYL), Olivia Miles (MIN), Kelsey Mitchell (IND), Aliyah Boston (IND), Natasha Howard (MIN), Jessica Shepard (DAL), and Gabby Williams (GSV).The full list of All-Star reserves includes Rhyne Howard (ATL), Angel Reese (ATL), Allisha Gray (ATL), Marina Mabrey (TOR), Jonquel Jones (NYL), Dominique Malonga (SEA), Courtney Williams (MIN), Kelsey Plum (LAS), Kiki Iriafen (WAS), Jackie Young (LVA), Nneka Ogwumike (LAS), and Sonia Citron (WAS).But the league had another chance to reward McBride with an All-Star selection, and they whiffed.Kayla McBride probably should have been picked over Kahleah Copper for the All-Star replacement Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum is sidelined with a leg injury, and the WNBA announced Wednesday night that Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper is the injury replacement.Copper has had a good season; she’s the 7th-leading scorer in the WNBA, averaging 20.5 points per game, and her efficiency has increased after a sluggish start to the year. But she’s still shooting 42.8% from the field and 27.5% from three, marks that are far lower than McBride’s (who is shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.8% from three).Most importantly, Copper headlines a Mercury squad that is 10-18 and out of the playoff race. (In comparison, the Lynx are 22-6 with a league-best +8.7 point differential). Therefore, it’s hard to make the case that Copper earned the selection over McBride, both when you look at the two players’ counting stats and their impact on winning.McBride isn’t the only player who has an All-Star case but wasn’t ultimately selected: Carla Leite, Natisha Hiedeman, Shakira Austin, and Alyssa Thomas have all had strong seasons too, among others.“Mac has really put us on her back,” Napheesa Collier said Wednesday. “This tear that she’s on has been so clutch … Also, she’s a huge reason I wanted to get back on the court, too. Like, ‘Mac looks like she’s having so much fun. I want to get out there.’”If there’s one more injury replacement selection, McBride should be the no-brainer pick. If not, she’ll enjoy a much-deserved break after an elite first half of the season.  #major #WNBA #AllStar #snub #season

The past and the present converged in a dazzling celebration of culture even as team spirit and the joy of sportsmanship came alive at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony at the Hydro here on Thursday.

It was an unforgettable evening as Scotland’s rich traditions blended seamlessly with a top-class, cutting-edge spectacle, offering a visual and musical treat to a packed audience. 

Against a backdrop of native folk/modern melodies and vibrant performances by a range of artists, history and modernity shook hands in a riveting theatre, underlining why Glasgow remains one of the finest hosts and keeps building on the success of the 2014 Commonwealth edition.

The Ceremony began with a journey through Scotland’s heritage. Track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, regarded as the nation’s greatest sporting icon, and Scottish actor Greg McHugh appeared magically from the LED screen to the stage through the TARDIS box, accompanied by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

ALSO READ: How boxer Lovlina Borgohain confirmed India’s first medal at CWG Glasgow 2026 before opening ceremony

The TARDIS, a tribute to the legendary British science-fiction series Doctor Who, became a storytelling device for the memorable occasion.

But the moment that truly captured the spirit of the Commonwealth Games was the athletes’ parade. For the parade, the classic-modern soundtrack, created by Scottish electronic folk Valtos was spectacular; the duo collaborating with artists from Scotland and across the Commonwealth.

As the 74 Commonwealth Games associations marched into the arena, each one of them received an introduction on the LED screen. The Commonwealth baton was brought alive through colourful animations inspired by Scotland’s native flora, creating a connection between the host nation and the visiting sportspersons. Team Scotland, the tail of the pack, earned the biggest roar from the rapturous crowd.

From the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the legendary creature of Scottish freshwater folklore, to the “Voice of Time” symbolised by the Glasgow clock; from Nathan Evans’ sizzling show to the eye-catching dance of Glaswegians at Glasgow Central; from showcasing the city’s historic prowess in shipbuilding, textiles, locomotives and steam engines to singer Callum Beattie’s remarkable rendition of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, the Opening Ceremony had it all.

Singer Nina Nesbitt produced a stirring performance of the 1988 Scottish classic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, transporting those gathered to that period. 

Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, and George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, explained how the Games belonged to the people.

King Charles officially declared the Games open. 

Published on Jul 24, 2026

#CWG #Opening #Ceremony #Glasgow #glows #celebration #present #future">CWG 2026 Opening Ceremony: Glasgow glows in celebration of past, present and future  The past and the present converged in a dazzling celebration of culture even as team spirit and the joy of sportsmanship came alive at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony at the Hydro here on Thursday.It was an unforgettable evening as Scotland’s rich traditions blended seamlessly with a top-class, cutting-edge spectacle, offering a visual and musical treat to a packed audience. Against a backdrop of native folk/modern melodies and vibrant performances by a range of artists, history and modernity shook hands in a riveting theatre, underlining why Glasgow remains one of the finest hosts and keeps building on the success of the 2014 Commonwealth edition.The Ceremony began with a journey through Scotland’s heritage. Track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, regarded as the nation’s greatest sporting icon, and Scottish actor Greg McHugh appeared magically from the LED screen to the stage through the TARDIS box, accompanied by King Charles and Queen Camilla.ALSO READ: How boxer Lovlina Borgohain confirmed India’s first medal at CWG Glasgow 2026 before opening ceremonyThe TARDIS, a tribute to the legendary British science-fiction series Doctor Who, became a storytelling device for the memorable occasion.But the moment that truly captured the spirit of the Commonwealth Games was the athletes’ parade. For the parade, the classic-modern soundtrack, created by Scottish electronic folk Valtos was spectacular; the duo collaborating with artists from Scotland and across the Commonwealth.As the 74 Commonwealth Games associations marched into the arena, each one of them received an introduction on the LED screen. The Commonwealth baton was brought alive through colourful animations inspired by Scotland’s native flora, creating a connection between the host nation and the visiting sportspersons. Team Scotland, the tail of the pack, earned the biggest roar from the rapturous crowd.From the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the legendary creature of Scottish freshwater folklore, to the “Voice of Time” symbolised by the Glasgow clock; from Nathan Evans’ sizzling show to the eye-catching dance of Glaswegians at Glasgow Central; from showcasing the city’s historic prowess in shipbuilding, textiles, locomotives and steam engines to singer Callum Beattie’s remarkable rendition of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, the Opening Ceremony had it all.Singer Nina Nesbitt produced a stirring performance of the 1988 Scottish classic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, transporting those gathered to that period. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, and George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, explained how the Games belonged to the people.King Charles officially declared the Games open. Published on Jul 24, 2026  #CWG #Opening #Ceremony #Glasgow #glows #celebration #present #future

How boxer Lovlina Borgohain confirmed India’s first medal at CWG Glasgow 2026 before opening ceremony

The TARDIS, a tribute to the legendary British science-fiction series Doctor Who, became a storytelling device for the memorable occasion.

But the moment that truly captured the spirit of the Commonwealth Games was the athletes’ parade. For the parade, the classic-modern soundtrack, created by Scottish electronic folk Valtos was spectacular; the duo collaborating with artists from Scotland and across the Commonwealth.

As the 74 Commonwealth Games associations marched into the arena, each one of them received an introduction on the LED screen. The Commonwealth baton was brought alive through colourful animations inspired by Scotland’s native flora, creating a connection between the host nation and the visiting sportspersons. Team Scotland, the tail of the pack, earned the biggest roar from the rapturous crowd.

From the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the legendary creature of Scottish freshwater folklore, to the “Voice of Time” symbolised by the Glasgow clock; from Nathan Evans’ sizzling show to the eye-catching dance of Glaswegians at Glasgow Central; from showcasing the city’s historic prowess in shipbuilding, textiles, locomotives and steam engines to singer Callum Beattie’s remarkable rendition of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, the Opening Ceremony had it all.

Singer Nina Nesbitt produced a stirring performance of the 1988 Scottish classic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, transporting those gathered to that period. 

Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, and George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, explained how the Games belonged to the people.

King Charles officially declared the Games open. 

Published on Jul 24, 2026

#CWG #Opening #Ceremony #Glasgow #glows #celebration #present #future">CWG 2026 Opening Ceremony: Glasgow glows in celebration of past, present and future

The past and the present converged in a dazzling celebration of culture even as team spirit and the joy of sportsmanship came alive at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony at the Hydro here on Thursday.

It was an unforgettable evening as Scotland’s rich traditions blended seamlessly with a top-class, cutting-edge spectacle, offering a visual and musical treat to a packed audience. 

Against a backdrop of native folk/modern melodies and vibrant performances by a range of artists, history and modernity shook hands in a riveting theatre, underlining why Glasgow remains one of the finest hosts and keeps building on the success of the 2014 Commonwealth edition.

The Ceremony began with a journey through Scotland’s heritage. Track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, regarded as the nation’s greatest sporting icon, and Scottish actor Greg McHugh appeared magically from the LED screen to the stage through the TARDIS box, accompanied by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

ALSO READ: How boxer Lovlina Borgohain confirmed India’s first medal at CWG Glasgow 2026 before opening ceremony

The TARDIS, a tribute to the legendary British science-fiction series Doctor Who, became a storytelling device for the memorable occasion.

But the moment that truly captured the spirit of the Commonwealth Games was the athletes’ parade. For the parade, the classic-modern soundtrack, created by Scottish electronic folk Valtos was spectacular; the duo collaborating with artists from Scotland and across the Commonwealth.

As the 74 Commonwealth Games associations marched into the arena, each one of them received an introduction on the LED screen. The Commonwealth baton was brought alive through colourful animations inspired by Scotland’s native flora, creating a connection between the host nation and the visiting sportspersons. Team Scotland, the tail of the pack, earned the biggest roar from the rapturous crowd.

From the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the legendary creature of Scottish freshwater folklore, to the “Voice of Time” symbolised by the Glasgow clock; from Nathan Evans’ sizzling show to the eye-catching dance of Glaswegians at Glasgow Central; from showcasing the city’s historic prowess in shipbuilding, textiles, locomotives and steam engines to singer Callum Beattie’s remarkable rendition of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, the Opening Ceremony had it all.

Singer Nina Nesbitt produced a stirring performance of the 1988 Scottish classic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, transporting those gathered to that period. 

Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, and George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, explained how the Games belonged to the people.

King Charles officially declared the Games open. 

Published on Jul 24, 2026

#CWG #Opening #Ceremony #Glasgow #glows #celebration #present #future

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