India can build upon its historic Glasgow Commonwealth Games campaign by channelling the momentum from its excellent medal haul into grassroots talent scouting, cutting-edge sports science, and strategic preparations for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. Following a spectacular performance, thus far, highlighted by an unprecedented boxing storm (7 Gold, 3 Silver) and record-breaking para-sports triumphs, structural scaling is required to transition regional heroes into consistent global champions. This is important because, comprising more than one-sixth of the world’s population, India should win a similar percentage of medals on the international platform. The fact that it is falling short as of now means more needs to be done. Apart from building talent in disciplines in which it is under-represented, there are other areas to focus on.
These include leveraging the Khelo India Ecosystem by expanding regional talent hubs like the Khelo India Centres to scout young prodigies early. Target non-traditional pockets to replicate the structural boxing and weightlifting pipelines nationwide. India must also funnel fresh investments to augment the existing Rs 3,176 crore infrastructure pool across approved state projects. Dedicated pathways must be provided for para-athletes by integrating accessible training modules into all regional academies.
Another important step would be institutionalising Sports Science and Foreign Expertise. Those in charge should deploy long-term elite tracking through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to fund hyper-customised training cycles. Collaboration should be deepened with international technical heads, building on the 15 foreign coaches hired for Glasgow.
There also needs to be investment in localised data analytics and bio-mechanics to map fighter workloads and reduce chronic injury rates. There should be continuous exposure through elite trips to European and pan-Asian competitive circuits.
Most importantly, momentum should be transitioned to the 2030 Ahmedabad Games. Data from the Ahmedabad Experience Centre in Glasgow should optimise event governance and volunteer models. Similarly, streamline the venue master plan by retrofitting existing urban stadiums to keep overheads low and green. Implement an independent project management office by late 2026 to guarantee timeline adherence without bureaucratic friction.
Create long-term public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure post-event commercial viability for multi-sport arenas.
The focus areas should include boxing, in which Indians have done remarkably well. This would require expanding women’s ring programmes nationwide. Para-sport talent identification should be institutionalised natiowide. As for the Ahmedabad Games, world class and low cost hosting models require to be developed. These are strong areas to be developed first, even though even more needs to be done.
