Former footballer Baichung Bhutia said that the Commonwealth Games to be held in India in 2030 should be organized on a large scale. He expressed disappointment over the removal of sports like wrestling and hockey and hoped that these sports would be brought back when India hosts them.
Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has expressed hope that the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG) will be organized in India on an even bigger scale, with several sports not included in the current edition being brought back. India began its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow on Thursday, with a 124-member contingent aiming to make the most of a significantly reduced competition programme.
The CWG 2026 program includes 10 core sports and six para-sports. Many sports like wrestling, hockey, cricket, badminton, table tennis etc., which have enriched India’s medal tally over the years, are missing from the event, which is a major blow to India’s medal tally.
Indian able-bodied athletes will compete in eight disciplines, including athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls and swimming. Meanwhile, India’s para-athletes will compete in five disciplines, including para-athletics, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, para-powerlifting, para-swimming and para-track cycling.
Bhutia expressed hope of a big event
Speaking to the media, Bhutia said, “I think, unfortunately, the Commonwealth Games has not been as big as it should have been. The Commonwealth Games includes only ten sports, and many sports were removed where India could have won medals, like boxing and wrestling. It was supposed to be held in Australia, but now it is being hosted by Scotland. I hope that when it is held in India, many sports will be restarted and brought back. More to come A lot of sports should be included, and it should be organized on a large scale in India.”
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