India's Ambitious Plans for the 2030 Commonwealth Games

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India will include all major sports, promising a historic event under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. This comes amid concerns raised by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal regarding the exclusion of key sports like wrestling and shooting from the Games. As the 2026 Commonwealth Games conclude, India aims to build a strong foundation for future success, with Ahmedabad set to host the centenary edition. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is committed to enhancing infrastructure and reinstating traditional disciplines to achieve a record medal tally.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 16:56 IST

Union Minister's Assurance for 2030 Games

On Monday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed confidence that the 2030 Commonwealth Games, set to take place in India, will encompass all major sports and represent the nation's most successful participation to date. This statement follows AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's commendation of Indian athletes and his call for a strong national response to the exclusion of sports where India has historically excelled. As the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow conclude, a political dialogue has emerged regarding India's sporting future, particularly concerning the controversial exclusion of key events like wrestling and shooting.

Mandaviya's Commitment to Indian Athletics

Addressing Kejriwal's concerns, Mandaviya took to X to reassure the public about India's hosting of the upcoming Games. He stated, "Mr. Kejriwal, you can be completely assured that under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be the most magnificent and historic. All our major sports will be included, and we will achieve our highest medal tally. This is the promise of a new India."

Kejriwal's Concerns Over Excluded Sports

Earlier, Kejriwal congratulated the Indian contingent for their accomplishments despite a reduced sports lineup. He stressed the importance of structural support and grassroots investment to help India excel in future competitions. However, he voiced significant concern regarding the exclusion of vital sports. In a post on X, he remarked, "As the 2026 Commonwealth Games conclude, I want to congratulate all athletes who participated and earned medals for our country. We are immensely proud of you. Given our vast potential, there is no reason India shouldn't lead the medal tally in the future. Strategic investments at the grassroots level and adequate support for our athletes can yield remarkable results. Nonetheless, it is disheartening to see sports like wrestling and shooting, where we traditionally excel, omitted from the CWG roster. India must protest these unjust exclusions."

2026 Commonwealth Games Overview

The 2026 Games adopted a compact format, resulting in the removal of significant Indian medal-winning events such as shooting, wrestling, and badminton. India secured fourth place in the medals table at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, achieving a total of 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze.

Ahmedabad to Host the 2030 Commonwealth Games

India officially embarked on its journey to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with the Commonwealth Games Flag ceremoniously handed over during a spectacular Closing Ceremony that celebrated the conclusion of Glasgow 2026 while looking forward to the historic centenary edition of the Games. This moment marked the return of the Commonwealth Games to India after the 2010 edition in New Delhi and the first time for Gujarat.

This event signifies the start of a new chapter for Indian sports as the nation prepares to welcome athletes from across the Commonwealth for the landmark 2030 edition. With the ceremonial handover complete, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aims to reinstate traditional sports while developing world-class infrastructure to ensure a record-breaking medal haul.