Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed delight at the spectacular start of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026. On Thursday, the opening day of the tournament, the Indian team delivered an impressive performance in the Bowls competition. Dr. Mandaviya also praised the Indian team’s display.
The Indian women’s pair of Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey kicked off their Commonwealth Games 2026 Bowls campaign on Thursday with a victory in a thrilling tie-breaker match against Malta during the sectional group play stage. Writing on the social media platform ‘X’, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “An exciting start to the Commonwealth Games 2026. Today witnessed a thrilling contest where our athletes secured a magnificent victory against Malta on the final throw in the Women’s Pairs Bowls event.”
This is the first time the sport is being officially played in the new indoor ‘Bowls’ format at the Commonwealth Games. The Indian duo of Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey faced a tough challenge against the Maltese sisters, Rebecca Louise Rixon and Connie-Leigh Rixon. After overcoming a tense situation in the second set, Pinki sealed the victory for the Indian team by delivering the decisive throw in the tie-breaker.
India played well right from the start of the match. Rupa Rani Tirkey found excellent rhythm, while Pinki Singh executed precise throws. Thanks to their superb coordination, India secured an early lead by picking up two points. Subsequently, Putul Sonowal also delivered a stellar performance in the men’s singles event. In a major upset during his debut Commonwealth Games match, he defeated the reigning world champion and World Bowls Hall of Fame member Ryan Bester, further building on India’s excellent start.
Putul Sonowal began his campaign in Section D. Sonowal won the tie-breaker after the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time during Round 1 of Section D. In the tie-breaker, reigning Asian champion Sonowal’s first attempt landed close to the ‘kitty’ (target), which ultimately proved sufficient to seal the victory. Sonowal will now face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his next Section D match on Friday.
