A Year in Review: Indian Sports in 2025
As India gears up to host the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030 and aspires to host the 2036 Olympics, it is crucial to evaluate the current state of Indian sports.
Olympic Medallists' Mixed Performance
The year 2025 was significant for double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, who finished eighth at the World Championships, a departure from his usual consistent performances. However, it was also the year he breached the 90m barrier for the first time. Other notable athletes, such as PV Sindhu and Murali Sreeshankar, faced form and injury challenges.
The Commonwealth Games: A Legacy and Future Prospects
In Glasgow, Ahmedabad was declared the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, making it only the second time India will stage the event. The earlier hosting in 2010 in New Delhi was marred by controversies, cost overruns, and corruption, despite India crossing the 100-medal threshold for the only time in the Games. The upcoming CWG is seen as an opportunity for India to project its soft power to the world.
However, the relevance of the Commonwealth Games, rooted in a colonial legacy, is a subject of debate. There is growing reluctance among nations to host large multi-discipline sporting events, as was evident with the withdrawal of Victoria before Glasgow stepped in.
Infrastructure Development and International Performance
Hosting such events can have a positive impact on international performance, as seen 15 years ago when the momentum of the 2010 Games helped India secure a six-medal haul at the 2012 London Olympics. Brazil, which hosted the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics within two years, also produced its best Olympic performance in 2016, winning 19 medals at home.
Learning from Previous Host Cities
Cities like Hangzhou, which made sustainability a priority for their preparation for the 2023 Asian Games, offer valuable lessons. Out of the 56 competition venues for the Asiad, only 12 were newly built, while the remaining were renovated or temporarily built on existing sites.
Infrastructure Development in North East India
In the North East region, cities like Guwahati have been host to various national and international sports events. As India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, it presents an opportunity to further develop sports infrastructure in the region, potentially attracting more international events.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
Hosting rights alone are not a panacea. India needs to address the paltry, single-digit returns at the Olympics, the perennial doping menace, and ensure that the investments made in sports development translate into tangible results on home turf.
As India strives to enhance its global sports presence, the journey ahead promises challenges and opportunities. The forthcoming years will be a testament to India's commitment to sports, its athletes, and its aspiration to stand on the global sports stage.