New Delhi: Should India host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, it would boost their chances of staging the 2036 Olympics, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO Katie Sadleir has said.
“Hosting the Olympics would be an incredible achievement, and having the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India would be the right step towards that goal,” she said on the second day of The Times Group ET NOW Global Business Summit in New Delhi on Sunday.
India have bid to host the 2036 Olympics and have held informal discussions with the CGF over hosting the CWG in 2030. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), however, is yet to to form a committee to helm all Olympic-related affairs.
Given the population of 1.4 billion, Sadleir hoped that India would soon be among the top-10 performing countries in the Olympics.
“India’s work is transformational. With the right leadership, infrastructure, and passion, India is on track to becoming one of the top 10 countries in the Olympics,” she said.
“Sports are hugely significant in creating the image of a country. Being recognised as a sporting powerhouse enhances a nation’s influence on the global stage,” she added.
‘Will is there in India’
India have hosted the CWG once in 2020 in Delhi though its legacy has been marred by rampant corruption allegations. They have submitted a letter of intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036.
India face competition from Qatar and Turkey to host the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to announce the host country next year.
Sadleir said India’s sports infrastructure is on an upward curve as the country is committed to host international competitions.
“The political support and passion of the people here are amazing. The will is there, and people understand the power of sports and the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) president Luciano Rossi stressed on the importance of India’s role in the global sporting spectrum.
“India is working hard not just in Delhi, but in Bhopal as well. These efforts are concrete actions that showcase India’s seriousness about the future of sports,” he said.
India have submitted a letter of intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036 have held informal discussions over hosting the CWG in 2030. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
