Haryana Sports Minister Critiques Opposition's Call for 2030 Commonwealth Games Hosting

Gaurav Gautam Challenges Congress on Commonwealth Games Hosting

Panchkula (Haryana) [India], August 5: Haryana's Sports Minister, Gaurav Gautam, has expressed his disapproval of the Opposition's push for Haryana to be the venue for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, labeling Congress's stance as hypocritical.

He emphasized that significant sporting events should be regarded as national celebrations and questioned why similar requests were absent when Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, despite Haryana's impressive sports achievements.

“We see India as a unified nation; events like the Commonwealth Games, Olympics, and National Games occur in various regions. I have a direct question for those MPs who served in 2010: when the Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi, did they ever advocate for Haryana to host? Haryana was already a medal powerhouse at that time. Congress needs to stop this inconsistency,” Gautam stated.

His comments followed Congress MP Deepender Hooda's recent appeal to the central government to consider Haryana as a potential host or co-host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, highlighting the state's athletes' accomplishments.

“We are pleased that India has the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games. I urge the government to select Haryana as the venue. Over the past 15-20 years, Haryana has contributed more than 50% of India's medals in major competitions. If substantial funds are to be allocated for sports infrastructure, it should be in Haryana, as its athletes have proven their worth,” Hooda remarked.

India secured fourth place in the medal tally at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, achieving a total of 39 medals, which included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze.

In November of the previous year, Ahmedabad was officially designated as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games by Commonwealth Sport.