New Delhi: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said India’s growing stature in the global sporting community is reflected in the increasing number of major international events being hosted by the country.
India has hosted several international competitions in recent years, including World Championships, and is set to stage several events over the next few years.
“Sports is moving forward. And that is why, today, the world’s trust is also increasing in India,” Mandaviya said during the send-off ceremony of India’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games contingent.
“There was a time when our Federation used to tell the world, the International Federation, that you should stage Asian Games, Asian Competition, World Competition in India’. But they would have doubts whether India would be able to do it.”
The minister said India is scheduled to host several international competitions over the next three years.
“From January 2025 to June 2026, 36 international event will be held in India. In the remaining 6 months of this year, 9 international events will be held here. And for 2027-2028, 19 international tournaments will be held in India.
“That is why even in the international sports community India’s reputation is increasing.”
Mandaviya said the government has ensured that athletes have access to the best possible infrastructure and support.
“The government has made all the arrangements whether to support the athletes or the so that there is no shortage of facilities,” he said.
Speaking about the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow beginning July 23, Mandaviya highlighted that several of India’s strongest disciplines are not part of the programme but remained optimistic about the country’s prospects.
“At the Games in Glasgow, 10 of our best performing sports are not there. But still, sports is sports.
“I am sure our athletes will perform well, compete with great enthusiasm, enhance the country’s pride and further strengthen India’s reputation in world sport.”
Mandaviya also stressed that athlete selection for major multi-sport events has become more transparent.
“There was a time when questions were raised over selections. Today, the contingents for the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games have been picked through a transparent process.
“The selection trials are conducted openly, under observation and on camera. The results are declared within five to ten days.”
The minister also pointed to the improvement in performances of the athletes at the domestic level.
“In the last six months alone, 26 national records have been broken in Indian athletics, which shows the progress our athletes are making,” he said.
