Haryana's CWG medal haul fuels demand for co-hosting 2030 Games

Haryana's impressive performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow has sparked a fresh demand from sportspersons and political leaders across party lines to make the state a co-host for the 2030 CWG, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad.

Athletes from the agrarian state bagged seven of India's 13 gold medals and 11 medals overall at the Games. Five of the seven golds in boxing came from Bhiwani district alone, with four of those won by women. This outstanding display has led to calls for recognising Haryana's contribution by giving it a share in hosting the 2030 event.

Jagdish Singh, founder of the Bhiwani Boxing Club, who has trained several world-class boxers, termed the demand as legitimate. He said the state's track record in producing international medallists makes it a natural venue for boxing events at the next CWG.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, Dharambir Singh, echoed the sentiment. "It is valid to say that boxing events — or at least some CWG events — should be held in Bhiwani. It is a hub for boxing in India," he said. Mr. Singh added that he would seek an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue.

BJP leader and Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh said while the final decision rests with the government, "it would be good if the games are held in Haryana". Former BJP Rajya Sabha member Kiran Choudhry said she would take up the matter with the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

On Monday, Congress MPs from Haryana — Deepender Hooda, Jai Prakash, Varun Mulana, Satpal Brahmachari, and Karmbir Baudh — staged a protest at the Parliament complex, demanding that Haryana be made the host or co-host for the 2030 Games.

Mr. Hooda questioned why Haryana, which contributes around 50% of India's medals at the CWG, Asian Games, and Olympics despite having only 2% of the country's population, continues to face neglect. "Investments worth lakhs of crores of rupees for the games will now flow into Ahmedabad, where sports infrastructure will be developed. Had Haryana been made a co-host, this massive expenditure would have taken place in Haryana as well," he said.

The Congress leader also criticised the state government for not submitting a proposal to host the games, demanding that it immediately send a bid and that the Central government seriously consider it.

Haryana's sustained success in international sports, particularly boxing, wrestling, and athletics, has often been highlighted by experts. However, the state's sports infrastructure has repeatedly been described as inadequate for top-tier international events. The demand for co-hosting the 2030 CWG is seen by many as an opportunity to address this gap and boost sports development in the region.

The final decision on the host and co-host cities for the 2030 Commonwealth Games lies with the Government of India and the Commonwealth Games Federation, which will evaluate bids based on infrastructure, logistics, and other criteria. While the demand from Haryana has gained political momentum, it remains to be seen whether the state will formally submit a bid.