Bhubaneswar, Jul 23: Odisha has built a remarkable legacy at the Commonwealth Games, with 29 athletes representing India since the state's debut in the event in 1982.

India has won a total of 564 medals in the 96-year history of the Commonwealth Games, including 203 gold, 190 silver and 171 bronze medals. Odisha's contribution has come through disciplines such as weightlifting, hockey, athletics and cricket, producing several athletes who have brought laurels to the nation.

The state's Commonwealth journey began in 1982, when late Bijay Kumar Satpathy became the first Odia athlete to represent India in weightlifting and won a silver medal. In the 2002 Games, Jyoti Sunita Kullu was part of the Indian women's hockey team that clinched the gold medal. Weightlifter Prasmita Mangaraj added two silver and one bronze medal to Odisha's tally. At the 2006 Melbourne Games, Odisha was represented in the Indian women's hockey team by Subhadra Pradhan, Jyoti Sunita Kullu, Nilima Kujur and Sarita Lakra, who won silver.

The 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games proved to be a memorable edition for Odisha. Weightlifter K. Ravi Kumar won gold, while athlete Jauna Murmu secured gold and sprinter Sravani Nanda claimed bronze. In 2014, Ravi Kumar earned a silver medal, while Birendra Lakra was part of the Indian men's hockey team that also won silver. At the 2022 Birmingham Games, Amit Rohidas helped India win silver in men's hockey, while Deep Grace Ekka was a member of the bronze medal-winning women's hockey team.

Former India fast bowler Debashish Mohanty remains Odisha's first cricketer to compete at the Commonwealth Games. Representing India in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games, he claimed eight wickets in three matches, including impressive spells against Canada and Australia, although India failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Several prominent Odia athletes represented India at the Commonwealth Games without winning medals. These include athletes Anuradha Biswal, Dutee Chand and Purnima Hembrom, cricketer Debashish Mohanty, cyclist Dinesh Kumar, gymnast Rakesh Kumar Patra, weightlifter Saraswati Raut, and hockey players Dilip Tirkey, Lazarus Barla, Ignace Tirkey, Prabodh Tirkey, William Xalco, Binita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Mukta Prava Barla, Namita Toppo and Sunita Lakra.

For the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Odisha will once again have a notable presence. Gymnasts Tapan Mohanty and Tapeswarnath Das, along with cyclist Dinesh Kumar, have earned places in the Indian contingent. Athlete Animesh Kujur and gymnast Pranati Nayak, who represent Odisha in national competitions, have also qualified, raising hopes of adding more medals to the state's impressive Commonwealth record.

Looking ahead, India will host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030. At the closing ceremony of the current Games on August 2, the Commonwealth Games flag will be formally handed over to India. Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan and actress Rashmika Mandanna are expected to headline the Indian cultural presentation during the handover ceremony, marking the beginning of the countdown to the historic 2030 Games.