Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sport Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya expressed delight as the Indian bowls squad made a strong start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Indian women’s pairs, Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey, secured a hard-fought victory against Malta in the sectional Group Play stage. Dr. Mandaviya praised the thrilling performance on social media, highlighting the team’s spectacular win.
Competing in the new indoor format of Bowls at the Commonwealth Games for the first time, the Indian pair faced tough competition from the Rixon sisters of Malta. Despite a tense second set, Pinki delivered a decisive bowl in the tiebreak to secure victory. India took an early lead with accurate deliveries, earning a 2-0 advantage.
In another remarkable performance, Putul Sonowal continued India’s success by defeating reigning World Champion Ryan Bester in men’s singles sectional play. Making his Commonwealth Games debut, Sonowal emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter that required a tiebreaker to determine the winner. Sonowal’s precise play and strategic moves secured the win, setting the stage for his upcoming match against Cecil Alexander.
