India at the Commonwealth Games 2022 – Preview

As the Commonwealth Games 2022 begin, expectations are high for India at one of its most successful multi-sport events. Historically, the Commonwealth Games have been India’s strongest platform among the Olympics, Asian Games, and CWG. This preview examines India’s medal prospects across key disciplines.

A Look at India’s CWG History

India has delivered consistent performances in recent editions of the Commonwealth Games. The country finished second in 2010, fifth in 2014, and third in 2018.

At the 2018 Games, India secured 66 medals — including 26 gold. However, the 2022 edition presents a new challenge: shooting, which produced seven gold medals in 2018, has been dropped. The key question is whether India can compensate in other sports.

Wrestling: India’s Strongest Medal Hope

Wrestling is expected to lead India’s medal charge. Rapid improvement in recent years makes this the country’s most promising discipline.

In men’s freestyle wrestling, India fields several gold contenders and could realistically aim for 4–5 gold medals. Women’s freestyle wrestling is more competitive internationally, but India’s experienced squad could deliver 3–4 gold medals.

Overall, wrestling may contribute 7–9 gold medals and around 12 total medals.

Weightlifting: A Reliable Medal Contributor

Weightlifting should be India’s second-best sport despite strong competition from England, Nigeria, and Malaysia. With multiple international medalists in the squad, India could target approximately 5 gold medals and 10 total medals.

Badminton: Riding Recent Momentum

Indian badminton enters the Games with significant confidence following major international successes. Medal prospects exist across singles and team events, with a realistic expectation of 2–3 gold medals and about 5 total medals.

Cycling: A Difficult Breakthrough

India’s cycling program has shown gradual improvement over the past decade, especially in track events. Young riders have begun making an impact at Asian competitions, and investment in infrastructure and coaching has raised expectations. However, the Commonwealth Games remain one of the toughest stages in the sport.

Traditional cycling powerhouses such as England, Australia, and Canada dominate the medal table with world-class training ecosystems and Olympic-level athletes. For India, closing this gap requires both experience and exposure at the highest competitive level.

While a medal remains an ambitious target, strong individual performances and personal best timings would signal meaningful progress. Even a top-six finish in select events would represent an valuable step forward for Indian cycling.

Gymnastics: Aiming for Finals

Indian gymnastics has grown steadily in visibility and technical quality, thanks to a new generation of athletes competing on the international circuit. The focus at the Commonwealth Games will be on consistency and clean execution rather than immediate medal expectations.

Reaching an apparatus final — particularly in events such as vault or floor — is a realistic objective. Such appearances are crucial for building competitive confidence and international experience.

Although podium finishes may be difficult against established gymnastics nations, a strong showing would reinforce India’s upward trajectory in a sport that demands years of elite training and development.

Swimming, Diving and Triathlon

Swimming, diving, and triathlon present some of the highest performance standards at the Commonwealth Games. Athletes from Australia, England, and Canada routinely compete at Olympic medal levels, making these disciplines extremely competitive.

For Indian athletes, the primary goal will be advancing through heats and reaching finals. Achieving national records or season-best performances would mark significant progress and highlight the growing professionalism of India’s aquatic sports programs.

Success in these events is often measured not only by medals but by incremental improvements that strengthen India’s long-term competitiveness on the global stage.

Lawn Bowls: An Outside Opportunity

Lawn bowls remains a relatively unfamiliar sport to many Indian fans, yet recent performances suggest untapped potential. Indian players have demonstrated technical skill and composure in past competitions, reaching advanced knockout stages.

Because the sport is less predictable than many mainstream events, opportunities for surprise results always exist. Tactical awareness, teamwork, and mental resilience play a major role in determining outcomes.

While a medal would still be considered an upset, lawn bowls represents one of those disciplines where India could quietly exceed expectations and deliver a memorable moment.