Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday called for a stronger, member-driven framework for Commonwealth sports cooperation while reaffirming India’s readiness to host the historic 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
Addressing the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, Mandaviya delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Reimagining Working Together: Strengthening Commonwealth Collaboration on Sport.” He outlined India’s vision for expanding cooperation in sports governance, athlete welfare and institutional capacity across Commonwealth nations.
Highlighting India’s long-term commitment to Commonwealth sport, the Minister said the country is preparing to host both the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games and the 13th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Ahmedabad.
“Guided by our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, we have defined a vision for a Developed India by 2047 and sports is a vital pillar of this roadmap. As the host of the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games and the 13th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Ahmedabad, we are committed to delivering an exceptional Games while leaving behind a lasting institutional legacy for Commonwealth sport,” Mandaviya said.
The Minister highlighted India’s ongoing reforms in the sports sector, including governance measures, a strengthened anti-doping framework and flagship programmes such as Khelo India, Fit India and the ASMITA League. He said these initiatives are nurturing grassroots talent, promoting greater participation of women in sports and fostering a vibrant sporting culture across the country.
Mandaviya proposed the establishment of a Commonwealth Sport Coordination Forum as an annual platform to help translate ministerial decisions into action. He also advocated creating a network of member-led Commonwealth Centres of Excellence to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among member nations.
Expressing India’s willingness to contribute actively to these initiatives, he said the country would be pleased to host meetings, technical workshops and regional consultations in the lead-up to the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Referring to India’s domestic reforms, the Minister said the proposed member-led approach reflects the country’s own efforts to strengthen sports governance. He noted that the National Sports Governance Act, brought into force last year, aims to improve accountability, professional governance and athlete welfare across national sports bodies.
Reaffirming India’s preparedness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Mandaviya said Ahmedabad is fully equipped to deliver a historic, sustainable and memorable edition of the Games. He added that the city’s world-class sporting infrastructure and India’s commitment to excellence demonstrate the country’s growing stature as a global sporting powerhouse capable of successfully hosting major international multi-sport events.
The Minister also endorsed the proposed leadership model under which the incoming host nation of the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting would serve as Chair, with the President of Commonwealth Sport acting as Co-Chair. He said India would be honoured to assume the Chair of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) for the 2026–2030 cycle.
Concluding his address, Mandaviya urged Commonwealth nations to strengthen partnerships and build enduring institutions that harness the transformative power of sport for social development.
“Let us build institutions that endure, strengthen collaboration that delivers results, and harness the transformative power of sport for future generations. India reaffirms its commitment to safe, inclusive and equitable sport systems that respect human rights and create opportunities for all,” he said.
