Aussie stronghold sports in line for Commonwealth Games return in India – abc.net.au

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Sport
Topic:Commonwealth Games
T20 cricket could again be on the agenda when the Commonwealth Games head to India in 2030.  (AAP Photos: Dave Hunt)
Cricket and hockey are among 15 sports on the "possibles" list for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India. 
Athletics, swimming, table tennis, bowls, weightlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball and boxing have been confirmed.
The remaining sports will be confirmed over the next six months, before the schedule is set by April 2026.
Some of Australia's favourite sports are set to return for the centenary Commonwealth Games in India in 2030.
Many sporting staples such as cricket, hockey, triathlon and squash were axed from next year's leaner Games in Glasgow, which feature just 10 sports.
But traditional Australian medal sources are likely to be on the menu when India's Ahmedabad hosts a 2030 edition with 15 to 17 sports.
Indian organisers have confirmed table tennis returns on the 2030 program, while relegating 3×3 basketball to the "possibles" list.
The 15 sports on that list, including T20 cricket, hockey, shooting, squash, rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball, are under consideration.
India 2030 chiefs locked in eight sports — athletics, swimming, table tennis, lawn bowls, weightlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball  and boxing — ahead of settling the schedule by April next year.
"We will be working with them over the next six months to confirm the remaining sports, but it will be a 15 to 17-sport program," Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadleir told AAP.
"India will use existing facilities, not having to invest significantly in new builds. There are plenty of options in terms of those additional sports."
India, whose bid was formally ratified at Commonwealth Sport's general assembly in Glasgow, is using the Games in a push to become an Olympic host and centre of global sport.
Australia defeated India to win the gold medal in the men's hockey event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. (AAP: Dean Lewins)
"They have a huge ambition to turn India into a mega-sporting nation," Sadleir said.
"Part of that clearly is about hosting significant international events, not just the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.
"The Indian population is passionate about the Commonwealth Games. They have traditionally had success at the Commonwealth Games.
"And I know just from being there and listening to the staff, the high performance, they're really excited about using the Commonwealth Games as a benchmark on-field.
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"But also … the mega-events are something they are really looking forward to putting themselves on a world stage."
Scotland's Glasgow saved the 2026 Games, stepping in after the Victorian government's shock withdrawal as host.
Victoria paid $380 million in compensation to Commonwealth Sport, which redirected $200 million to fund Glasgow's Games.
Only 10 sports are on the Glasgow bill — athletics, swimming, 3×3 basketball, track cycling, weightlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball, boxing, judo, and lawn bowls.
Four existing venues will be used in Scotland in what officials believe will set a template for future versions.
"We have been working very closely with Glasgow on this reset model, it is vital in terms of the future," Sadleir said.
"We're not an Olympic Games. We're a Commonwealth Games. It's a dynamic, full-packed program that really will excite our athletes and fans.
"But it doesn't have to be a billion-dollar exercise.
"One of our principles was to try and take 60 per cent out of the cost, looking at the last three Games, so that the Games were affordable."
AAP
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