Glasgow, July 30: PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has commended Indian athletes for their medal-winning performances at the Commonwealth Games 2026. She remarked that their achievements reflect the growing strength of the country in various sports.
Usha praised the remarkable performances in athletics, para-athletics, boxing, weightlifting, and other events. She urged the nation to maintain this momentum to ensure a strong showing at the Commonwealth Games 2030, set to take place in Ahmedabad.
“I am thrilled to see our athletes winning medals, especially in athletics. This is almost a world-class performance; it is how we can secure medals in athletics at the Commonwealth Games. We have won medals in long jump, high jump, and the 10,000 meters, along with gold and bronze in para 100 meters and para shot put. It’s wonderful to see everyone competing and winning medals together—one team, Team India,” she stated.
Usha acknowledged contributions from other sports, emphasizing that India’s success is not limited to just a few events.
“We not only need to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 but also aim to win numerous medals. We are delighted with the number of medals won. Eight boxers reached the semifinals, and the weightlifting team performed exceptionally well. Most teams, including swimmers, may not have won medals, but I believe the relay team finished fifth or sixth, which is also a significant achievement,” she added.
She attributed India’s improved performance to the better support systems available to athletes, crediting the collaborative efforts of the Indian government and the IOA for enabling athletes to prepare at the highest level. “There have been significant changes. The Indian government is supporting athletes effectively. Whatever they need—be it exposure, foreign coaches, physiotherapy, or any other assistance—the government is providing it,” she explained.
Usha noted that the approach taken by all stakeholders to prioritize athletes has created the right environment for success.
“The presence of a large sports team, like the medical team led by Dinshaw Pardiwala, is crucial. The IOA is also supporting them. The IOA is keeping it athlete-centered. Therefore, whatever the athletes need, the IOA and the government are working together to provide it. This is why all of this is happening, and we should continue this way. Everything should happen together—one team and Team India,” she emphasized.
She suggested that the successes achieved in Glasgow should serve as a springboard for the next Commonwealth Games, which India aims to host in Ahmedabad in 2030.
“We should now prepare for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the centenary celebration of the Commonwealth Games. People should always remember that we need to make it enjoyable, and it is truly for the new generation. Therefore, we should leverage this opportunity and not just participate but also win more medals for our country,” she concluded.
Discussing the recently launched Ahmedabad Commonwealth Games Experience Center in Glasgow, Usha stated that it is just a glimpse of India’s grand vision for the 2030 event.
“This is just a model; the real one will be entirely different. We also celebrated the Kite Festival here. Ahmedabad celebrates its festivals in a magnificent way, which Gujarat will always take pride in. We also celebrated this with the Indian community in Glasgow, who are part of this team,” she added.
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