CWG 2026 Day 2: Srihari Nataraj leads India's medal charge in Glasgow

Day 2 action in Glasgow

India's campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow enters its second day on Friday, July 24, with several athletes set to compete across multiple disciplines. The spotlight will be on swimmer Srihari Nataraj, who takes to the pool in the men's 100m backstroke heats.

Nataraj, a consistent performer on the international stage, will look to advance to the semifinals and keep India's medal hopes alive in swimming. His event is scheduled for the morning session at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

First medal opportunities

Friday offers India its first realistic shots at podium finishes. Powerlifting, para swimming and gymnastics feature strong Indian contenders who have trained extensively for these Games.

In powerlifting, Indian athletes will compete across weight categories, aiming to better their personal bests. Para swimming events also promise early medals, with Indian swimmers eyeing top-three finishes. Gymnastics, both artistic and rhythmic, will see Indian gymnasts perform routines that could earn them spots on the medal table.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact start times for all finals, but they are expected later in the day.

Tulika Maan suspension

A setback for the Indian contingent came on Thursday with news of judoka Tulika Maan's suspension. The Indian Express reported that Maan was suspended for a whereabouts failure, a violation of anti-doping rules that requires athletes to provide accurate location information for out-of-competition testing.

The Development and International Judo Federation (IJF) confirmed the suspension, which rules her out of the Games. Maan, a promising judoka in the women's heavyweight category, was expected to be a medal contender. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has not yet commented on whether an appeal will be filed.

Full day's schedule for Indians

The Indian contingent has a packed schedule on Friday. Apart from Nataraj's swim, athletes will compete in athletics qualifying rounds, badminton group matches and hockey pool games. The women's hockey team faces a crucial fixture against a strong opponent in the afternoon.

Boxing and wrestling preliminary rounds also feature Indian pugilists and grapplers. Medal events in para swimming and powerlifting are expected to draw large crowds at the Glasgow venues.

Television and streaming platforms will broadcast live coverage from 8:30 AM IST. Fans can follow updates on official Commonwealth Games channels and Indian sports websites.

What to watch next

The focus will shift to the finals later on Friday, where India's first medals of these Games are likely to be confirmed. Results from powerlifting and para swimming could set the tone for the rest of the Indian campaign in Glasgow.