While most fans are waiting for the opening ceremony, India's first Commonwealth Games matches are already underway.
The spotlight is on World No. 21 Putul Sonowal, who begins her campaign against Canada's Ryan Bester—a reigning world champion, Hall of Famer, and veteran competing in his seventh consecutive Commonwealth Games.
India's successful lawn bowls team is also back in action.
Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey, members of the historic Indian women's fours team that won gold at the Birmingham 2022 Games, open their women's pairs campaign against Malta.
Neither of these contests is a medal match. They're part of the sectional stage, where teams battle to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
This year's competition also marks a major change for the sport. For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the bowls events are being played indoors on portable rinks instead of traditional outdoor greens, making adaptability just as important as skill.
The medals aren't on the line yet—but these opening matches will set the rhythm for India's campaign and reveal how well the team adjusts to the Games' biggest new challenge.