Ministry Approves Contingent, Cuts Costs for IOA Officials
The Sports Ministry on Friday approved a 191-strong Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, starting July 23. The contingent includes 126 athletes—78 men and 48 women—and 51 team officials. The ministry made it clear that it will not bear expenses for team officials who are elected members of the Indian Olympic Association's Executive Committee.
The notification also requires a detailed performance report, including action photographs, to be submitted to the ministry within 30 days of the contingent's return to India.
No Government Funding for IOA EC Members as Team Officials
The ministry stated: "IOA will ensure that any person, if he/she is holding elected position in EC of IOA, any NSF or any sports body, whose name has been included in the list of team officials, will be treated at no cost to the Government." This directive applies to Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal, the only contingent staff member on the IOA EC, meaning his stay in Glasgow will not be government-funded.
The ministry defined team officials as including coaches, support staff, medical staff, and contingent officials.
Background Checks Mandated After Past Disappearances
The ministry reiterated that National Sports Federations must conduct background checks of their contingents "in view of the disappearance of some officials/sportspersons in the foreign countries in the past."
Athletics and Boxing Lead Support Staff
The Neeraj Chopra-led athletics squad of 32 (including 10 women) has the largest support team, headed by coach Radhakrishnan Nair, with five coaches, two physios, one doctor, and two medical professionals. The boxing team will have eight support staff, including sports psychologist Maithili Bhuptani. Mandakini Chanu is the only woman in the coaching group, led by Sweden's Santiago Nieva. India will field 14 boxers (seven women).
Weightlifting and Swimming Delegations
The Mirabai Chanu-led 12-member weightlifting team will have four coaches and two extra officials, including a physiotherapist. Nihar Ameen and Sandeep Sejwal will manage and coach the five-member swimming delegation.
Para-Sports Support Staff Approved
The ministry approved 42 support staff for the para-sports contingent, with athletics receiving three team officials for its 11 members.
Scaled-Down Games Impact India's Medal Prospects
The Commonwealth Games have been significantly scaled down for Glasgow due to cost considerations. India's medal tally will suffer due to the omission of traditionally high-yielding disciplines like shooting, hockey, badminton, wrestling, and cricket. The Games will feature only 10 able-bodied and six para events. India will participate in nine able-bodied and five para disciplines.
