CWG more relevant than ever, India has vital role to play: CGF responds to Batra remark

The Commonwealth Games Federation has asserted the continuing relevance of the CWG in the wake of Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra's "low standard" remark and said the country has a vital role to play.

CGF Chief Executive David Grevemberg said that India's concerns over the dropping of shooting from the 2022 CWG in Birmingham will be addressed when they visit the country in mid-November.

Grevemberg will be accompanied by CGF president Louise Martin on the India tour.

Responding to comments made by Batra, Grevemberg said: "Our visit to India in November is hugely important. Our focus is on providing great opportunities to Indian athletes. Our approach will be to respect, listen, learn and contribute. We look forward to meeting our colleagues and friends in India.

"We passionately believe that the modern Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Sport Movement is more relevant than ever before and that India has a vital role to play.

"Our shared vision must learn from but go beyond the shared colonial history of the Commonwealth and, through sport, create peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across our 71 diverse nations and territories."
"The (Birmingham) Games will have the largest-ever female and Para-sport programme in history and we want India to be part of this. It will be an amazing experience for all Indian athletes. With the significant Indian community across Birmingham and the West Midlands, there will be huge support for the country."