India Set to Host Crucial 2030 Commonwealth Games, Boosting Athletics and Olympic Ambitions

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India's hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone, not only for the country's sporting aspirations but also for the global promotion of athletics. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe hailed the event as a 'very important moment' for track and field, which has been re-established as a core sport in the Commonwealth Games. Coe reminisced about his experience of watching packed evening sessions for track and field events during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India. The country's bid to host the 2030 CWG came after the 2026 edition faced issues, with Glasgow stepping in as a replacement and a revised program with fewer sports. India plans to revive many of the sports that were cut from the 2026 program, including athletics, which remains a core sport. Coe praised the revised format, stating that it has been a 'good exercise' for the Commonwealth Games. He welcomed India's hosting of the 2030 CWG, which he believes will be a significant moment for the promotion of track and field. India's hosting of elite-level tournaments, including swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, has set the stage for its ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics. A World Athletics Continental Tour silver-level meet is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar next year, marking another step towards increasing athletic events in India. Coe expressed his desire to encourage more World Athletics events in India, citing the country's growing popularity for track and field, driven in part by Neeraj Chopra's outstanding performances. He acknowledged the potential for commercial growth and participation in a growing market, stating that this is a 'good thing' for World Athletics.