Indian Athletes to Wear Jute-Viscose Apparel at Commonwealth Games 2026
National Jute Board develops sustainable jute-based apparel for the Indian contingent participating in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
The National Jute Board (NJB), under the Ministry of Textiles, has developed jute-viscose blended apparel for the Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the initiative has been undertaken to promote sustainable textiles and demonstrate the application of natural fibres through 100 per cent biodegradable jute-viscose blended fabric.
The official Kit Unveiling and Send-off Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2026 was held in New Delhi on July 7, 2026. The event was attended by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, President of the Indian Olympic Association Ms. P. T. Usha, and members of the Executive Council of the Indian Olympic Association.
This is the first occasion on which jute-based apparel will be showcased at an international multi-sport event.
The National Jute Board facilitated the development of the jute-viscose blended fabric with support from Gloster Jute Mills, Kolkata. The apparel was first showcased during the National Jute Board Foundation Day celebrations held in Patna on April 1, 2026, where representatives of the Indian Olympic Association viewed the initiative.
Following this, the National Jute Board worked with the Indian Olympic Association to facilitate the use of jute-based apparel for the Indian contingent. The garments were designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, using the specially developed jute-viscose blended fabric.
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.
The National Jute Board expressed its gratitude to the Indian Olympic Association for permitting the Indian contingent to wear the "Make in India" jute apparel.
According to the Ministry, the initiative is expected to support the Jute Diversification Programme of the National Jute Board by creating new opportunities for sustainable jute products in domestic and international markets while promoting natural fibres in the textile sector.