Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to perform at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony
Mumbai, July 27
Acclaimed sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is officially set to take the global stage on August 2, 2026, delivering a highly anticipated neo-classical music performance at the closing ceremony of the XXIII Commonwealth Games.
Held at the iconic OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, the grand finale will celebrate the conclusion of the eleven-day international multi-sport spectacular.
The grand finale will serve as a celebration of sportsmanship, unity and culture before officially passing the baton home to India. Sharma will share the grand stage with National Award-winning composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan (performing alongside his sons, Siddharth and Shivam). Together, they will headline India's explosive 20-minute cultural presentation, culminating in the formal flag handover ceremony to India as the host country for the upcoming 2030 centenary edition in Ahmedabad.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma stated, "Performing at the Commonwealth Games and representing India's deep musical heritage is an absolute honour. I look forward to bringing the spirit and sanctity of classical fusion music to Glasgow," as per a press release.
Fresh off his monumental signing for Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming epic film 'Ramayana', Rishab Rikhiram Sharma joined the elite music composition team alongside Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
Coming to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, it runs from July 23 to August 2, featuring over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across a streamlined selection of 10 sports and 6 integrated para-sports. India's highly competitive 122+ member athlete contingent is already tracking exceptionally high on the official medal table, led by blockbuster athletic moments including weightlifter Mirabai Chanu securing a historic gold hat-trick, alongside stellar podium finishes by weightlifter Rishikanta Singh and para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's great that our culture is being showcased globally, but I hope the performance is more than just a quick fusion medley. 20 minutes is short to truly represent India's musical depth. Also, with Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman on the Ramayana team, this guy is soaring. Let's hope Glasgow remembers our classical roots, not just Bollywood beats.
As an Australian who loves attending the Commonwealth Games, I'm genuinely excited to see this. The sitar is such a unique instrument, and having a proper classical fusion act alongside Shankar Mahadevan is a win for the closing ceremony. Can't wait to see what India brings to Glasgow—hoping the whole Hydro is buzzing!
Wow! From Ramayana with Zimmer and ARR to this—Rishab is truly bridging generations. But my only concern is whether the 20-minute slot will do justice to the sitar's subtlety. Glasgow 2026 is already giving me chills with our athletes' gold hat-tricks. This cultural handover is the cherry on top! 🇮🇳
Finally, Indian classical music gets a global prime-time platform! Sitar meets the Olympic-style stage—this is exactly the kind of soft power we need. But I hope they don't oversimplify the ragas for a Western audience. Our athletes are already setting records; let the music match their spirit. All the best to the team!
I'm from the UK and have always admired Indian music, but 20 minutes isn't nearly enough
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