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India Confirms Pakistan for 2030 CWG; Move Protects 2036 Olympic Bid

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 1 week ago | Oct 30, 2025 09:21 am IST
India Confirms Pakistan for 2030 CWG; Move Protects 2036 Olympic Bid

In a massive strategic move, India has officially confirmed that athletes from Pakistan will be allowed to participate in the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Ahmedabad. The decision, reported on October 29, 2025, comes despite ongoing political hostilities, highlighting India’s bigger ambition: a successful bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics.

Key Takeaways

  • Pakistan will be permitted to compete in the 2030 CWG in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
  • The primary driver is to protect India’s crucial bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
  • India aims to avoid sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), citing Indonesia’s recent penalty as a warning.
  • Despite this, the policy of no bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan remains firmly in place.

The Big Decision: Olympic Dreams Over Rivalry

Look, this isn’t just about the Commonwealth Games. It’s about sending a message to the world. Indian Sports Ministry officials made it clear that this decision is rooted in following international sporting regulations. Why? Because you can’t dream of hosting the Olympics if you’re seen as a nation that picks and chooses its competitors.

The government is playing the long game. The 2030 CWG in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar is seen as a crucial test. A successful, inclusive event would massively strengthen India’s case for the 2036 Summer Olympics, which is the ultimate prize. It’s about projecting India as a mature and capable host on the global stage.

The Fine Line: Politics vs. Pragmatism

But honestly, it’s a complicated picture. The decision comes at a time of heightened political tensions with Pakistan, especially following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. As you can imagine, the news has sparked some emotional responses and domestic criticism. It’s a tough pill to swallow for many.

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So, why take the risk? Here’s the thing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) doesn’t mess around. Just this month, the IOC sanctioned Indonesia for barring Israeli athletes from a gymnastics championship. That event served as a stark warning for India. Any move to block Pakistani athletes could have resulted in similar, or even harsher, penalties, effectively killing the 2036 Olympic bid before it even got off the ground.

Expert Analysis

Sources from the Sports Ministry emphasize that this is about adherence to the Olympic Charter. The government’s stance is clear: multilateral sporting events are separate from bilateral political disputes. While there won’t be any India-Pakistan cricket series anytime soon, athletes from all eligible nations must be welcomed at events like the CWG or Olympics. It’s a non-negotiable part of being a host.

Social Media Storm

The announcement has definitely created a buzz online. While many sports analysts are calling it a smart, pragmatic move to secure the Olympic bid, the decision has also faced backlash. The memory of the Pahalgam attack is still fresh, and many are questioning the timing and necessity of welcoming athletes from a nation considered a ‘political enemy’ by some reports.

What’s Next for Ahmedabad?

All eyes are now on November 26, 2025. That’s the day the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow will make the final announcement, though the Executive Board has already recommended Ahmedabad as the host. This confirmation from the Indian government about Pakistan’s inclusion removes a major potential roadblock.

The road to 2030, and then hopefully 2036, is long. This decision shows India is willing to make tough calls to achieve its sporting ambitions. What do you think? Was this the right move for India’s Olympic dream?