India’s Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO: SUDHAKARA JAIN
As Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games here, Rohit Rajpal has his hands full. But the 55-year-old, who is also the vice-president of the All India Tennis Association, has assembled a team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In fact, he has set up a dedicated office to make things easier for both athletes and the media.
“Weather reports are predicting rain. It’s windy as well, which could affect the performance of athletes in certain disciplines. We are trying to understand the local conditions so that we can prepare accordingly,” Rajpal told The Hindu here on Wednesday night.
On expectations from the Indian contingent, Rajpal said it was important to keep them realistic, given that this was not a “normal” edition of the Games.
“These Games were originally supposed to be held in Victoria (Australia), but they got cancelled. Glasgow had stepped in and is hosting them in a limited format. We have only 10 sports. We can expect medals in athletics, weightlifting, boxing and lawn bowls and a few events. Our para athletes are also looking to contribute,” he said.
Rajpal believes the Glasgow Games carry added significance as Ahmedabad is set to host the 2030 edition and will officially receive the baton during the closing ceremony.
“Symbolically, these Games are very important because India is going to be the next host. The Gujarat government team is here, and there is knowledge transfer happening during the Games as well,” he said.
At the closing ceremony, Rajpal said, India will showcase its culture to the world.
“We will have a dance and cultural presentation that will offer a glimpse of what India and Gujarat have in store for the 2030 Games in Ahmedabad. Gujarat government has set up an Ahmedabad Experience Centre here. Members of the Indian diaspora from across the world have been invited,” Rajpal added.
Published – July 23, 2026 06:14 pm IST
