India to send 125-130 athletes to Glasgow Commonwealth Games, says IOA CEO
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India will send a contingent of 125 to 130 athletes and support staff to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer said on Friday, adding that the body will not interfere in athlete selection matters handled by national sports federations.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, will feature 10 able-bodied and six para sports as part of a scaled-down format aimed at reducing costs.
"We will have a total of 125-130 participants, including athletes. One third of the number of athletes will be support staff," Iyer said on the sidelines of the second edition of the IOA Athletes Forum.
India will compete in eight able-bodied and four para sports. The IOA is expected to announce the full contingent after June 23, the deadline for submitting participant lists to organisers.
Iyer said all national sports federations have submitted their teams and preparations are underway, including uniforms, ceremonial dress, logistics, and pre-Games training programmes.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham featured 19 able-bodied and eight para sports. India sent 208 athletes and finished fourth with 61 medals, including 22 gold.
As host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, India, will receive the Commonwealth Sport flag during the closing ceremony in Glasgow. Iyer said Ahmedabad is planning a special presentation showcasing India's culture and identity.
He added that the IOA is simultaneously preparing for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where India is expected to send a contingent of more than 700 athletes.
On selection disputes, Iyer said the IOA would not intervene as long as federations follow their own selection policies. His remarks come amid controversy over the omission of table tennis player Manika Batra from the Asian Games squad.
"I think all of those are part of the NSF selection policy for the teams. We don't interfere in the selection. We just need to ensure that whatever policies were laid down are followed," he said.
Iyer also said the IOA remains in regular contact with the International Olympic Committee regarding India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad and that discussions are continuing under the IOC's ongoing dialogue process.