Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and actor Rashmika Mandanna will headline India’s cultural presentation at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on August 2.
The ceremony will also see India officially receive the Commonwealth Games flag as Ahmedabad prepares to host the centenary edition of the Games in 2030.
India to officially begin countdown to Ahmedabad 2030
The closing ceremony will mark the formal handover from Glasgow to Ahmedabad, the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
India’s showcase is expected to run for around 20 minutes and will celebrate the country’s cultural heritage through music, dance and traditional performances, serving as the first official presentation of the next Games.
Ahmedabad was confirmed as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in November. It will be the second time India hosts the multi-sport event after New Delhi in 2010.
Shankar Mahadevan and Rashmika Mandanna to headline performance
Shankar Mahadevan, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers and composers, will lead the musical segment of the ceremony.
Mahadevan rose to prominence with his 1998 album Breathless and is also part of the renowned Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composing trio, which has produced music for numerous Bollywood films.
Joining him will be Rashmika Mandanna, one of India’s leading film stars, known for her roles in Geetha Govindam, Pushpa: The Rise and Animal.
International artists also set to perform
The Glasgow closing ceremony will also feature performances from several international and Scottish artists.
Among the headline acts are Scottish rock band Simple Minds, best known for hits including Don’t You (Forget About Me) and Alive and Kicking.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem will also perform, returning to a Commonwealth Games closing ceremony 20 years after appearing at Melbourne 2006.
Other performers include:
- Cammy Barnes
- BEMZ
- Sandi Thom
- Elephant Sessions
- Shereen Cutkelvin
Ahmedabad to host historic centenary Commonwealth Games
The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will mark the 100th anniversary of the event.
India previously hosted the Games in New Delhi in 2010, where the home contingent produced its best-ever performance.
India finished second on the medals table with 101 medals, including 38 gold medals-the country’s only Commonwealth Games campaign to cross the 100-medal mark.
India begin Glasgow 2026 campaign
The 2026 Commonwealth Games run from July 23 to August 2, with a 125-member Indian contingent competing across the 10 sports included in this year’s streamlined programme.
The closing ceremony on August 2 will conclude Glasgow’s edition before officially handing the Commonwealth Games baton to Ahmedabad for 2030.
Story first published: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 14:40 [IST]
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