The 2010 Delhi Games Scandal
The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi were meant to be India's global coming-out party. Instead, they became a case study in mismanagement and corruption. The initial budget ballooned to many times its original estimate, with India's own Central Vigilance
Commission finding serious irregularities. Allegations included awarding contracts at inflated prices for everything from toilet paper to treadmills. The athletes' village was described as "filthy and uninhabitable" by arriving international delegations just days before the opening ceremony. A newly constructed footbridge near the main stadium collapsed, injuring 23 workers and symbolising the chaos. The scandal led to the arrest of Organizing Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and other officials, leaving a permanent stain on what should have been a moment of national pride.
'Syringegate' at Gold Coast 2018
A major controversy erupted at the 2018 Gold Coast Games over the discovery of syringes, violating the event's strict "no-needle" policy. Initially, needles were found outside the room of Indian boxers, leading to an investigation. While team officials at first denied any wrongdoing, the team doctor eventually admitted to using a syringe to administer vitamins to an unwell athlete. Though no doping was found, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) called it a "clear breach" of policy. Later, two more athletes, triple jumper Rakesh Babu and racewalker Irfan Kolothum Thodi, were sent home after another needle was found in their room. The incidents resulted in a strong reprimand for the Indian contingent and were a significant embarrassment.
Doping Allegations and Bans
Like many international sporting events, the Commonwealth Games have seen their share of doping scandals involving Indian athletes. Just before the 2010 Delhi Games, seven Indian athletes, including wrestlers and swimmers, were dropped from the team after testing positive for a banned stimulant. Later during the same games, racewalker Rani Yadav tested positive for a steroid. More recently, two-time CWG gold medallist weightlifter Sanjita Chanu was handed a four-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance during the 2022 National Games in Gujarat. While she was cleared of a previous doping charge from 2018, the subsequent ban highlighted the ongoing struggle with doping in Indian sports.
Arrests of Officials in Glasgow 2014
India faced massive embarrassment during the 2014 Glasgow Games when two officials, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary General Rajeev Mehta and wrestling referee Virender Malik, were arrested on separate charges. Mehta was arrested for alleged drunken driving, while Malik faced an allegation of assault. The arrests took place on the penultimate day of the Games, casting a shadow over the Indian contingent's performance. Both officials were not staying with the athletes in the Games village. Though they were later released after charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence, the incident drew negative international attention and highlighted issues of conduct within the country's sports administration.
Selection Disputes in the Boxing Ring
The path to the Games has also been fraught with controversy. Ahead of the World Championships that served as a precursor to the Commonwealth Games, boxer Arundhati Choudhary approached the Delhi High Court in 2021. She challenged the Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) decision to grant Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain automatic selection in the 70kg category without a trial. Choudhary, the national champion, argued for a fair trial, citing that even celebrated athletes like Mary Kom had previously participated in selection trials to prove their form. The BFI had made an exception for Borgohain based on her Olympic performance. The dispute brought the federation's selection policies into the spotlight, reflecting the intense internal competition for a spot to represent India.
