A quick glance at the sports lineup of CWG 2026 event reveals a telling truth: it’s not the kind of competition that demands India’s senior-most athletes.
With 16 sports including para disciplines like para-athletics, para-swimming, para-cycling, and para-powerlifting—alongside sports such as netball, lawn bowls, and 3×3 wheelchair basketball—this event feels more like a developmental platform than an elite showdown.
While the participation of nations should be encouraged for broader sporting exposure, it makes little strategic sense for India to field its top-tier talent here, especially in the run-up to key Olympic qualifiers or premier international events. Instead, India should strongly consider sending U23 or junior squads across all disciplines. Here’s why:
1. Resource Optimization
India’s elite athletes have demanding calendars. Between Olympic qualifications, continental championships, World Cups, and professional circuits, their focus and peak performance cycles must be preserved. Sending a full-strength senior squad to a mid-tier event with limited competitive value could drain resources—both physical and financial.
2. Developmental Exposure for Juniors
Events like this are ideal testing grounds for India’s bench strength. Juniors and U23 athletes can gain invaluable international experience, learn to perform under pressure, and compete against varied competition without the overwhelming stakes of an Asian Games or World Championship.
3. Better ROI in Long-Term Athlete Development
Building a pipeline of talent requires more than domestic championships. International exposure early in an athlete’s career helps accelerate growth. Investing in junior participation here is not only more logical, but offers a greater return on investment for federations focused on long-term results.
4. Strategic Focus on Priority Sports
For India, focus must remain on Olympic core sports and events where global competitiveness is achievable. In the list provided, sports like netball, lawn bowls, and para bowls—while important for inclusivity—are not high on India’s priority list in elite sport development. Prioritizing core Olympic sports with structured age-group representation keeps the national program aligned with long-term sporting goals.
5. Avoiding Injury Risk to Key Athletes
Senior athletes preparing for Paris 2028, the next Asian Games, or world-level meets should not risk injury or fatigue at events with minimal competitive stakes. Recent years have shown how injury disruptions can derail careers or Olympic cycles.
This event should be seen as a launchpad for India’s next generation—not a battleground for its proven champions. By adopting a junior-focused participation strategy, India can maximize its medal haul while building future depth.
Let senior athletes stay focused on Paris, LA 2028, and World Championships. Let the juniors take the stage here.
India’s sports ecosystem is maturing. It’s time our event participation strategy reflects that maturity too.
