Commonwealth Games 2026: Indian sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to perform at closing ceremony

Sharma will share the stage with National Award-winner Shankar Mahadevan. Photo Courtesy; File pic

Indian sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is set to take the global stage on August 2 to deliver a neo-classical music performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony.

Held at the iconic OVO Hydro in Glasgow in Scotland, the grand finale will celebrate the conclusion of the eleven-day international multi-sport spectacular tournament.

Fresh off his monumental signing for Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming epic film 'Ramayana', where he joins an elite music composition team alongside Academy Award winners Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman, Sharma will bring his signature classical fusion music to a global audience.

As the scion of India's historic Rikhi Ram instrument-making dynasty, 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.

Sharma states, "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."

Sharma's upcoming performance places him in a list of celebrated musical icons who have historically headlined Commonwealth Games ceremonies. He follows in the footsteps of legendary vocalists who have graced past editions including Sonu Nigam, Shubha Mudgal, Kailash Kher and Sukhwinder Singh, Hariharan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and A R Rahman.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which is currently taking place between July 23 to August 2 features 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 athlete contingent with over 122 members has already seen the likes of weightlifter Mirabai Chanu securing a historic gold medal hat-trick, alongside stellar podium finishes by weightlifter Rishikanta Singh and para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar on the medal tally list.