India’s 224-strong contingent for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, including seven para-athletes, is unlikely to repeat the 101-medal haul from the previous edition, but would be hoping to at least retain the second spot in the medals table. The Games begin on July 23.
With archery, tennis, greco-roman wrestling and several shooting events taken off the programme at Glasgow, India is set to suffer a major cut in the number of medals. The four events accounted for 36 medals in 2010 in New Delhi, 16 of them gold. Shooting alone saw 30 medals in the previous edition, of which 17 came in events that won’t be part of the 2014 Games.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), on Monday, released the full contingent for the Games, including 85 support staff and 13 officials.
The Sports Authority of India officials said the list of athletes submitted by the IOA was around 275, and this was pruned down. “Even though there is no government expense in the CWG, it doesn’t make sense sending a huge crowd without proportionate medal hopes.
Various factors were considered, including medal prospects, India’s track record in certain events and the number of participants with regards to medals to be won.
“An event like rugby sevens or netball, with more than 20 members each, is not a viable option for a medal or even a satisfactory performance. The Sports Ministry, of course, is the final deciding authority and can either add to or prune the list,” officials confirmed.
The ministry, though, appears to have cleared the entire contingent forwarded by the SAI with the final decision on a few officials to be taken within a day or two.
Interestingly, even though the Commonwealth Games is an all-expense paid competition, the ministry has pitched in with a substantial amount. While the organisers had provided £680 as air fare for every participant, last-minute bookings by the IOA meant the actual travel expense overshot the budget, and the ministry paid the difference amount.
Athletics formed the biggest squad of 41, followed by hockey with 32 in men and women, and 30 shooters.
The other events with Indian participation include swimming (4), badminton (10), boxing (11), cycling (13), gymnastics (7), lawn bowls (10), squash (6), table tennis (10) and weightlifting (15).
Judo, making a comeback to the Games after 2002, would have 14 participants. India would not be fielding any entry in three disciplines — netball, rugby sevens and triathlon.
