New Delhi, July 24 -- Less than twelve hours after proudly marching into the OVO Hydro during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Team India had already shifted gears. The music had faded; celebrations ended. By Friday morning, the Indian contingent was back to what it had travelled to Scotland for - serious competition.

While millions in India stayed up late to watch the colourful opening ceremony on Thursday night, the real Commonwealth Games began quietly inside the athletes' hotels, training halls and recovery centres, where coaches, support staff and athletes resumed preparations with characteristic discipline.

For India's athletes, the opening ceremony was a moment of pride but never a distraction. That is dedicat...