It was a meeting to review India’s Commonwealth Games preparations but also saw a discussion on how to take the country’s bid for the 2036 Olympics forward as Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi joined Union Sports Minister Mansukha Mandaviya’s review session online here.
The meeting took place on Thursday and was personally attended by top officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Sanghavi, who is also the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Minister of Gujarat, was accompanied by some representatives of the state government during the discussion.
“They were mainly there to discuss the closing ceremony of CWG 2026, during which the baton will be handed over to Ahmedabad as the 2030 host. But the Olympics bid also came up during the discussion and how to take the bid forward once the process is restarted,” an IOA source told PTI.
“No big decision has been made, just a conversation about how the process will continue.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) froze the host selection process last year to review its criteria, but it is expected to accelerate by the end of this year or early next year.
India was in the “continuous dialogue” phase of the suspended bidding process after submitting an “expression of interest” to host the October 2024 games in Ahmedabad.
In addition, Mandaviya reviewed the preparations for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow in July-August.
“The meeting focused on ensuring smooth coordination between all stakeholders and strengthening the support system for Indian athletes preparing for CWG 2026,” a media statement by the sports ministry said.
An India House is expected to be set up during the Games to support athletes.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the cross-departmental coordination efforts being undertaken by the Secretary (Sport) with representatives of various ministries and departments regarding “operational and logistical preparations” for Glasgow 2026.
“Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the departments of culture and tourism are an important part of the effort to ensure smooth operations for the athletes,” the source said.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
15 May 2026 17:05 IST
