Archive · 12 Nov 2025
India Unveils Custom King's Baton for 2026 Commonwealth Games Amidst Sporting Ambitions
A special baton, carrying a message from the King, has started its journey for the 2026 Commonwealth Games that will take place in Glasgow, Scotland.
This year is unique because every single one of the 74 countries competing will have their own special baton designed to represent their country's culture.
India's baton looks beautiful with pictures of animals, plants, and writings from India.
The Indian Sports Minister, along with other important officials, revealed the baton in New Delhi.
After being shown to the public in Delhi, the baton will travel to Ahmedabad.
The Sports Minister also shared that India aims to become one of the world's top five sporting nations by the time the country celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047.
There's also a plan to build a 'Sports City' in New Delhi, which will be a big facility for athletes.
However, table tennis will not be part of the 2026 Games, but players hope it will be included if India hosts the Games in 2030.
India's customized King's Baton for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was unveiled in New Delhi.
For the first time, all 74 participating nations have their own unique batons representing their culture.
Indian Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated India's goal to be among the top-five sporting nations by 2047.
The baton will be displayed publicly in Delhi before moving to Ahmedabad, a potential host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Table tennis will not be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but there is hope for its inclusion in future games, possibly when India hosts in 2030.
- Who
- Indian Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal
- What
- Unveiling of India's customized King's Baton for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and discussions on India's sporting future.
- When
- Tuesday, November 11
- Where
- New Delhi, India (unveiling ceremony and public display); Ahmedabad, India (next leg of the relay)
- Why
- To officially commence the King's Baton Relay, showcase India's unique cultural representation on the baton, and articulate national sporting ambitions.
Past Commonwealth Games Relays
Innovations for the 2026 Games
Baton Customization
Past Commonwealth Games Relays
Historically, a single King's Baton has been used for the relay across participating nations.
Innovations for the 2026 Games
For the first time, all 74 participating Commonwealth nations have received their own customized batons, reflecting their unique culture and art.
Table Tennis Inclusion
Past Commonwealth Games Relays
Table tennis has previously been a featured sport in the Commonwealth Games.
Innovations for the 2026 Games
Table tennis will not be part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with hopes for its inclusion in future games, particularly if India hosts in 2030.
- Event
- King's Baton Relay for 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games
- Baton Unveiling Date
- Tuesday
- Baton Unveiling Location
- New Delhi, India
- Indian Baton Designer Inspiration
- Fauna, flora, and scriptures of India
- Indian Sports Minister's Vision
- Top-five sporting nation by 2047, Top-10 medal winners by 2036
- 2026 CWG Dates
- July 23 - August 2, 2026
- 2026 CWG Host City
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Potential 2030 CWG Host City
- Ahmedabad, India
