In a first for India’s jute industry, the Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026 will wear apparel made from jute-viscose blended fabric, showcasing the country’s efforts to promote sustainable textiles and value-added applications of natural fibres.
The apparel has been developed by the National Jute Board (NJB) under the Ministry of Textiles and will be worn by Indian athletes and team members during the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting ‘Make in India’ products and highlights the potential of biodegradable jute-viscose blended fabric as an environmentally sustainable textile solution.
The official kit was unveiled during the Commonwealth Games 2026 Kit Unveiling and Send-off Ceremony held in New Delhi on Tuesday. The event was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P. T. Usha, and members of the IOA Executive Council.
According to the Ministry of Textiles, this is the first time jute-based apparel will be showcased at an international multi-sport event, providing global visibility to India’s jute industry while highlighting the craftsmanship of Indian manufacturers and the contribution of jute farmers.
The National Jute Board developed the jute-viscose blended fabric with the support of Gloster Jute Mills, Kolkata. The apparel was designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, after the fabric was first showcased during the National Jute Board Foundation Day celebrations in Patna earlier this year.
Following positive feedback from the Indian Olympic Association, the National Jute Board worked closely with the IOA to introduce the apparel for the Indian contingent.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will bring together athletes from 72 countries. India will be represented by a 124-member contingent, comprising 78 male and 46 female athletes.
