Daijiworld Media Network - Glasgow
Glasgow, Aug 3: The 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded on Sunday after 11 days of competition, with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, which will host the landmark centenary edition of the Games in Ahmedabad in 2030.
The closing ceremony at Glasgow's OVO Hydro marked the official transfer of hosting responsibilities, making India only the second country after Australia to host the Commonwealth Games more than once. India previously hosted the event in New Delhi in 2010.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing King Charles III, formally declared the Games closed.
"Thanks for the manner in which you have competed, officiated, supported and organised the Games. You have once again brought the spirit and values of the Commonwealth. 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," he added.
Indian boxer Jaismine Lamboria, who won gold in the women's 57kg category, carried the national flag during the closing ceremony.
The ceremonial handover saw the Commonwealth Games flag pass from Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren to Commonwealth Games Scotland vice-chair Susan Jackson, Scottish netball player Emily Nicholl, Commonwealth Sport president Dr Donald Rukare, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and finally Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of India's cultural heritage following an opening segment celebrating Scotland's traditions.
The Indian presentation, based on the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family), highlighted the Commonwealth's values of unity, friendship and inclusivity.
The cultural programme opened with a tribute marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, led by actor Manushi Chhillar. A unique Indo-Scottish cultural collaboration followed, with musicians and dancers from both countries performing a symbolic jugalbandi representing the transition from Glasgow to Ahmedabad.
Singer Shankar Mahadevan, accompanied by his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, performed a medley of popular patriotic songs, including Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walo, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Ae Watan and Lehra Do. Gujarati playback singer Bhoomi Trivedi also paid tribute to the host state, Gujarat.
On the sporting front, India finished fourth in the medals table with a total of 39 medals, comprising 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals.
Although the tally was lower than the 61 medals won at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, India's performance came with a smaller contingent of 122 athletes, compared with 210 in the previous edition. Moreover, 30 of the medals won in Birmingham had come in sports that were not included in the Glasgow programme.
A total of 38 Indian athletes returned home with at least one medal, while long-distance runner Gulveer Singh emerged as the country's only multiple medallist, winning two medals.
With the successful conclusion of the Glasgow Games, preparations now shift to Ahmedabad, which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the 100th anniversary of the multi-sport event.