A meeting convened to review India’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games also featured discussions on advancing the country’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, as Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi joined a stock-taking session led by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya via video link.
Held on Thursday, the meeting was attended in person by senior officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Sanghavi, who also serves as Gujarat’s Sports, Youth Affairs and Cultural Activities Minister, participated in the discussions alongside several representatives of the state government.
“They were primarily there to discuss the 2026 CWG closing ceremony, during which the baton will be passed to Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 edition.
However, during the meeting, the Olympic bid was also raised and there was a discussion on how to move it forward once the process resumes,” an IOA source told PTI.
“No major decision was taken; it was more a conversation about how the process is likely to unfold.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had paused the host selection procedure last year to reassess its criteria, but the process is expected to gather momentum by the end of this year or early next year.
India had reached the “Continuous Dialogue” stage of the now-halted bidding process, having submitted an ‘Expression of Interest’ in October 2024 to host the Games in Ahmedabad.
In addition, Mandaviya reviewed preparations for the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Glasgow in July-August.
“The meeting focused on ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholders and on strengthening the support system for Indian athletes preparing for CWG 2026,” stated a media release from the Sports Ministry.
An India House is planned to be set up during the Games to support the athletes.
The meeting also assessed the status of inter-ministerial coordination being led by the Secretary (Sports) with various Ministries and departments concerning the “operational and logistical preparations” for Glasgow 2026.
“Coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the departments of culture and tourism is a crucial part of ensuring smooth operations for the athletes,” said a source.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
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