5 issues to not miss on Day 1 of the Games

Must-watch moments on Friday 24 July at Glasgow 2026.

Key numbers:

• 14 golds up for grabs
• 9 in Swimming & Para Swimming
• 4 in Para Powerlifting
• 1 in Artistic Gymnastics

Boxing, 3×3 Basketball & 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball additionally get underway, whereas Bowls & Para Bowls continues after a dramatic first day. 

Friday’s top-five highlights:

1. Para Powerlifters chase opening gold of the Games

Reigning champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, of Malaysia, and the person he relegated to Men’s Lightweight silver at Birmingham 2022, Englishman Mark Swan, will go head-to-head for the honour of being topped Glasgow 2026’s first gold medallist. 

Scotland’s Finlay Davidson might be hoping to upset the favourites, with a Para athlete assured to take the opening gold medal of the Commonwealth Games for the primary time. 

2. Trio search to begin Scottish success within the pool

Scotland trio Duncan Scott (Men’s 200m Individual Medley), Stephen Clegg (Men’s 100m Freestyle S13) and Faye Rogers (Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM10) might be out to whip up the night-time crowd with all three aiming for the highest step of the rostrum. 

There will doubtless be an Oceania battle within the Women’s 400m Freestyle between Lani Pallister (AUS) and Erika Fairweather (NZL), whereas Australia begin as favourites within the Women’s and Men’s 4x100m Freestyle relays. 

Three-time Olympic champion Adam Ramsay-Peaty (ENG) begins his programme within the Men’s 100m Breaststroke. 

3. England’s Men’s Team goal fourth successive Artistic Gymnastics gold

Much might be anticipated of Luke Whitehouse because the England quartet look to carry off Australia, Cyprus and Scotland and prolong their Commonwealth dominance within the Men’s Team Final.

4. Fancied Indian pair step into the ring

India has a wealthy ladies’s boxing historical past and in 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar, plus 20-year-old rising star Priya Ghanghas, the long run seems vibrant. Both kick-off their marketing campaign on Friday. 

5. Ashes clashes take centre stage in 3×3

Head to the 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball courts for a heated rivalry. Defending champions Australia and Birmingham 2022 bronze medallists England go within the Men’s competitors within the afternoon session, after the Women’s sides face off earlier within the day.

GNS ln/am/tb