‘India Exceeded Every Expectation in Glasgow’: Rohit Rajpal on CWG 2026 Success and Roadmap For Ahmedabad 2030

Glasgow, August 3: India signed off from the Commonwealth Games 2026 with its best-ever overseas performance, finishing fourth on the medals table with 39 medals (13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze). As the curtains came down on Glasgow, Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal, the former India Davis Cup player and tennis international, reflected on a campaign that exceeded expectations, praised the rise of Indian women athletes, and looked ahead to Ahmedabad 2030, where India will host the Commonwealth Games.

In an exclusive conversation, Rajpal also spoke about the role of the government, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), national federations and corporate support in India's sporting rise, while expressing confidence that Ahmedabad will stage one of the finest Commonwealth Games in history.

Q: India finishes the Commonwealth Games with 39 medals and fourth place. Did you expect such a performance before leaving for Glasgow?

Rohit Rajpal: Honestly, no. All the estimates we had before coming here suggested that India would finish with around 24 or 25 medals. So ending the Games with 39 medals means we have surpassed expectations by a significant margin.

That itself tells you how much the athletes have improved and how well they performed under pressure. This has been an outstanding campaign for India.

Q: Several medals came in sports where India has traditionally not been dominant. Judo won historic gold medals, boxing excelled again and athletics continued its rise. How do you look at that?

Rajpal: These medals are not coming by chance. There is a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and the respective national federations have all played their part. As India grows, our sporting ecosystem is also evolving.

Training methods have improved. International coaches have been brought in. Athletes are getting better scientific support and exposure. Before these Games, many athletes trained overseas to adapt to local conditions in Scotland.

But ultimately, preparation alone doesn't win medals. Athletes have to deliver when it matters, and full credit goes to them for doing exactly that.

Q: Athletics, in particular, appears to have entered a new era for India.

Rajpal: Absolutely.

A few years ago, track and field wasn't considered one of India's strengths. Today, athletics is consistently producing medals across multiple events.

We saw performances like Tejaswin Shankar's medal in the decathlon, India's continued success in field events, and impressive performances in para athletics as well.

Similarly, judo has arrived on the Commonwealth stage in a big way. Winning two gold medals there is remarkable.

These are signs that Indian sport is becoming much more diverse rather than depending on just a handful of disciplines.

Q: India's women once again led the medal charge. From Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain carrying the flag at the opening ceremony to world champion Jaismine leading the contingent at the closing ceremony, was this symbolic of the changing landscape?

Rajpal: Absolutely.

At the opening ceremony, Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain were our flag bearers. At the closing ceremony, Jaismine, a world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, had the honour.

Our women are leading the way and showing the path forward.

If you look at the overall performances, particularly in boxing, some of the girls were simply outstanding. Their technical ability, confidence and composure were remarkable.

In fact, I think the men now need to catch up.

Q: Glasgow 2026 has ended. The focus now shifts to Ahmedabad, which will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. How important is this transition?

Rajpal: This is the beginning of an exciting journey.

There is already a large delegation from Gujarat here as part of the knowledge transfer programme. Hosting a multi-sport event isn't just about building stadiums. It's about learning operational systems, logistics, athlete services, technology and overall Games management.

That knowledge transfer is extremely important.

India is preparing itself not just to host the Commonwealth Games but to establish itself as a world-class sporting nation.

Q: Technology is expected to play a major role in Ahmedabad 2030.

Rajpal: Absolutely.

Sports event management is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, Games management systems and integrated technology will all become increasingly important.

India has the capability to combine technology with world-class organisation.

I genuinely believe India will stage one of the best Commonwealth Games the world has ever seen.

Q: Beyond hosting, India's sporting infrastructure also seems to be expanding rapidly.

Rajpal: Yes.

Across the country, Olympic training centres are coming up. Corporate India is investing more in sports than ever before. Government support continues to increase.

When you combine better infrastructure, better coaching, sports science and athlete support, naturally performances improve.

I think Indian sport has a very bright future.

Q: The next few years include the Asian Games, the Los Angeles Olympics, Ahmedabad 2030 and India's ambition to host the Olympics. Do you see all these fitting into one larger vision?

Rajpal: Absolutely.

Hosting the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad is a major stepping stone.

It gives India the opportunity to demonstrate that we can successfully organise large multi-sport events at the highest level.

Alongside that, preparations for other international championships will continue so that our organisers, officials and volunteers gain experience.

By the time India eventually gets the opportunity to host the Olympic Games, I believe we will be fully prepared.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to give after this memorable Commonwealth Games campaign?

Rajpal: I think India should celebrate what these athletes have achieved.

They have exceeded expectations, inspired millions and shown that Indian sport is moving in the right direction.

Glasgow was an important milestone. Now the journey continues towards the Asian Games, the Los Angeles Olympics and eventually the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

I believe the best is still to come.