Key numbers:

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

Boxing, 3x3 Basketball & 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball also get underway, while 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 man he relegated to Men's Lightweight silver at Birmingham 2022, Englishman Mark Swan, will go head-to-head for the honour of being crowned Glasgow 2026's first gold medallist. 

Scotland's Finlay Davidson will be hoping to upset the favourites, with a Para athlete guaranteed to take the opening gold medal of the Commonwealth Games for the first time. 

2. Trio seek to start Scottish success in 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) will be out to whip up the night-time crowd with all three aiming for the top step of the podium. 

There will likely be an Oceania battle in the Women's 400m Freestyle between Lani Pallister (AUS) and Erika Fairweather (NZL), while Australia start as favourites in the Women’s and Men’s 4x100m Freestyle relays. 

Three-time Olympic champion Adam Ramsay-Peaty (ENG) starts his programme in the Men's 100m Breaststroke. 

3. England's Men's Team target fourth successive Artistic Gymnastics gold

Much will be expected of Luke Whitehouse as the England quartet look to hold off Australia, Cyprus and Scotland and extend their Commonwealth dominance in the Men's Team Final.

4. Fancied Indian pair step into the ring

India has a rich women's boxing history and in 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar, plus 20-year-old rising star Priya Ghanghas, the future looks bright. Both kick-off their campaign on Friday. 

5. Ashes clashes take centre stage in 3x3 

Head to the 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball courts for a heated rivalry. Defending champions Australia and Birmingham 2022 bronze medallists England go in the Men's competition in the afternoon session, after the Women's sides face off earlier in the day.

GNS ln/am/tb