Commonwealth Games 2030 is right step for India to host 2036 Olympics, says CWG CEO

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir shares her thoughts on India’s sports infrastructure & more.

India is poised to break into the top 10 rankings in the Olympics, a move that would mark a significant shift in the country’s global sporting stature, Katie Sadleir, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said on the second day of The Times Group ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025.

“India’s work is transformational,” Sadleir said. “With the right leadership, infrastructure, and passion, India is on track to becoming one of the top 10 countries in the Olympics.”

Speaking alongside Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), in a session titled “Crafting the Champion Mindset: How Sports Shape Nations,” Sadleir emphasised how sports catalyze global soft power and national reputation.

Also Read: Countries who have pulled out of hosting Commonwealth Games 2026

“Sports are hugely significant in creating the image of a country,” she said. “Being recognised as a sporting powerhouse enhances a nation’s influence on the global stage.”

Sadleir praised India’s world-class sports infrastructure, calling it a testament to the country’s growing commitment to international competition. “The political support and passion of the people here are amazing,” she said. “The will is there, and people understand the power of sports and the Commonwealth Games.”

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2026: Why Glasgow CWG will go ahead with just 10 sports?

As India eyes a bid for the 2036 Olympics, Sadlier believes that successfully hosting major tournaments like the Olympics will not only enhance its global influence but also provide a strong foundation for athletes to compete at the highest levels.

“Events like these will be crucial in elevating India’s global stature,” she said. “Hosting the Olympics would be an incredible achievement, and having the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India would be the right step toward that goal.”

Rossi, whose ISSF oversees 15 Olympic shooting events, echoed the importance of India’s role in the global sports landscape. He cited India’s Junior World Cup in shooting, scheduled to be held in Delhi, as a key milestone in the country’s sporting journey. “India is working hard—not just in Delhi, but in Bhopal as well. These efforts are concrete actions that showcase India’s seriousness about the future of sports,” he said.

Rossi highlighted the ISSF’s push for gender equality, stating that men and women competing together in shooting events could redefine the sport.”We want to see how the results are when men and women compete together. More women in sports is a priority for us, and ISSF is working hard on that,” he said.

Both speakers stressed that strong sports governance is critical for a country’s international reputation. “How you are perceived as a country also depends on the right structure, the right decisions, and the right leaders in sports,” Sadleir said.

Beyond national pride, hosting international sports events can yield economic and diplomatic benefits, said Rossi. He highlighted how international competitions can foster cross-border collaboration, even amid global conflicts. “Wars are happening around the world, but sport has the power to bring nations together. Challenges in sports can open communication and increase goodwill among countries,” he said.

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