With India enjoying a successful campaign in athletics, para athletics, boxing, weightlifting and other events, Usha credited the athletes' achievements while urging the nation to build on the momentum ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on India's performances, Usha said the medals won in athletics and para athletics were particularly significant because success in those events demands elite-level performances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m so happy to see players winning medals, especially from athletics; we\u2019re getting medals. It\u2019s almost like world-class performance here; only then will we get a Commonwealth Games medal in athletics. We\u2019ve one in Long Jump, we\u2019ve one in High Jump, and one in 10,000m, gold and bronze in para 100m and in para shot put also. It\u2019s good to see everybody running together and getting medals, One Team, One Team India,\u201d the IOA President told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also acknowledged the contributions from several other disciplines, noting that India's success was not confined to a handful of events.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd not only organise the 2030 Commonwealth Games, but we should have a lot of medals also. So happy that we have a lot of medals. And eight players, eight boxers, they have come in the semifinals, and the weightlifting team has done very good. And most of the team, even swimmers, though they have not won a medal, but the relay finished fifth or sixth, I think. That is also a good achievement here,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Usha attributed India's improved performances to the enhanced support system available to athletes, saying the coordinated efforts of the Government of India and the IOA have helped competitors prepare at the highest level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSee, a lot of changes now. The Indian government is supporting players in a very, very good way. Because whatever they want, their exposure or if they want foreign coaches or physios or massages or whatever support they need, the government is providing it,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She said the athlete-first approach adopted by all stakeholders had created the right environment for success. \u201cAnd here a big sports team like Pardiwala\u2019s (Dinshaw) medical team is there for them. And even IOA is supporting them. IOA is making it athletic-centric. So, whatever the players want, the IOA and the government are in one line and providing everything. That is why all these things are happening, and this is what we should do. All it has to be together, one team and one team India.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead, Usha said the achievements in Glasgow should serve as a springboard for the next Commonwealth Games, which India hopes to stage in Ahmedabad in 2030.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe should now work towards the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Games 100th year celebration. People should remember always that we all have to make it fun, and it's actually for the new generation. So we should make use of it, and we should do more than just participate; we should also get more medals for our country,\u201d she expressed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about the recently inaugurated Ahmedabad Commonwealth Games Experience Centre in Glasgow, Usha said it was only a preview of India's larger vision for the 2030 event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe should now work towards the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Games 100th year celebration. People should remember always that we all have to make it fun, and it's actually for the new generation. So we should make use of it, and we should do more than just participate; we should also get more medals for our country,\u201d she expressed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As the Games near their conclusion, Usha said she was eagerly awaiting the closing ceremony and another opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Indian contingent. \u201cWaiting for the proud moment. A lot of programs are planned here. And I am waiting for that proud moment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n