Haryana MPs in New Delhi on Tuesday demanding that the State co-host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Photo: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Haryana’s dominance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow has sparked a fresh demand from sportspersons and political leaders across party lines to make the State a co-host of the 2030 CWG scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad.
Sportspersons from the agrarian State bagged seven of India’s 13 gold medals and 11 medals overall. Five of the seven golds in boxing came from Bhiwani alone, four of them won by women.
The performance has fuelled calls that the “Mini Cuba” of India, a tribute to the Caribbean island nation that has produced many famed boxers, deserves more than praise.
Bhiwani Boxing Club founder Jagdish Singh, who has trained several world-class boxers, said the demand is legitimate.
‘Strong claim’
“Haryana certainly has a strong claim; after all, we win the highest number of medals. The government renamed the existing stadium in Gujarat after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the facilities there are excellent. In terms of infrastructure, that venue is indeed deserving, but Haryana has a stronger claim in terms of performance on the ground,” he said.
Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, said while the final call rests with the government, “it would be good if they were held in Haryana”.
Will speak to PM: BJP MP
Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh said, “It is valid to say that boxing events — or at least some CWG events — should be held in Bhiwani. It is a hub for boxing in India.”
Mr. Singh said he would seek an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raise the issue.
BJP leader and Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh said while the final call rests with the government, “it would be good if the games are held in Haryana”. Former BJP Rajya Sabha member Kiran Choudhry said “If that happens, it would not only benefit budding sportspersons in Bhiwani but also those in neighbouring Hisar and Rohtak,” Ms. Choudhry said, adding she would take up the matter with the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
On Monday (Auust 3, 2026), Congress’s Haryana MPs — Deepender Hooda, Jai Prakash, Varun Mulana, Satpal Brahmachari, and Karmbir Baudh — staged a protest at the Parliament complex demanding that Haryana be made the host or a co-host for the 2030 games.
‘Centre shut the door’
Mr. Hooda alleged the Centre had already shut the door by announcing the Games would be held exclusively in Ahmedabad and that the 2036 Olympics bid was also being submitted only for Gujarat. He asked why Haryana, which wins 50% of the country’s medals at the CWG, Asian Games and Olympics with just 2% of India’s population, continues to face neglect. “Investments worth lakhs of crores of rupees for the games will now flow into Ahmedabad, where sports infrastructure will be developed. Had Haryana been made a co-host, this massive expenditure would have taken place in Haryana as well,” he said.
The Congress leader attacked the State government for not submitting a proposal to host the games and demanded that it immediately send a bid and that the Central government consider it seriously.
Published – August 05, 2026 01:08 am IST
