GLASGOW, SCOTLAND: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya delivered an impassioned message to India’s athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, urging them to compete with “great passion” and reminding them that representing India with courage and determination is as important as winning medals.
Addressing the 124-member Indian contingent before the start of the Games, Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to leave behind fear and pressure, saying that true defeat does not exist for those who give their best on the field.
“When you go to the field, never go to the field in a hurry. The blessings of Durga and Mahakali are with you. The wishes of 1.4 billion people are with you. We must participate in the sports field and in competitions with great passion,” the Sports Minister told the athletes.
Emphasising the importance of confidence and mental strength, Mandaviya said that athletes should approach every competition believing in their abilities rather than fearing the outcome.
“I believe that when courage is high, when all forces support you, then none of my athletes will lose. Either you will become medal winners, or you will learn, but we will never lose,” he said. The minister stressed that success is not defined solely by podium finishes but by the spirit with which athletes represent the nation.
#WATCH | Glasgow, Scotland: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya meets the Indian athletics team ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Addressing the team, he says, “When you go to the field, never go to the field in a hurry. The blessings of Durga and… pic.twitter.com/bNUe57j2lf
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
“We will definitely win medals. But leading India with passion is what will bring you medals,” he added, underscoring that resilience and commitment are the hallmarks of true champions. Mandaviya also highlighted the Centre’s commitment to ensuring that Indian athletes receive every possible support before and during international competitions.
Assuring the contingent that all logistical and administrative arrangements had been made, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consistently encouraging India’s sporting fraternity and creating an ecosystem where athletes can perform with confidence.
“All arrangements are being made for you. And both when you leave as a winner and when you come here to play, the Prime Minister of the country encourages you to follow the instructions and provides you with security,” he said.
Expressing optimism about India’s campaign, the minister said he was confident that the contingent would make the nation proud. “I am confident that we will perform well in the Commonwealth Games and bring glory to ourselves and the country,” he stated.
Mandaviya is in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, being held from July 23 to August 2, where he has been interacting with Indian athletes, officials and members of the Indian diaspora. With a 124-member Indian contingent competing across multiple disciplines, India will be aiming for another successful Commonwealth Games campaign as its athletes seek to add to the country’s rich sporting legacy.
