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It’s only been a few days since our athletes made the entire nation proud with their stellar performances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The warmth with which Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted our champions upon their return is still vivid in our minds. Witnessing that moment, we once again realized that, yes, we are changing.

The level of our sports is improving, but is the reality limited to these images? In fact, when I read a report in an English newspaper today about an expensive javelin training machine lying abandoned at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, it was heartbreaking. It felt as if all hopes were dashed. This news wasn’t just about a training machine breaking down. In my opinion, it was a story of administrative lethargy that is crippling the dreams of our athletes.

Negligence towards the spirit of sports in a changing India

In the past few years, India has taken a new turn, or should I say, started a new revolution, in the world of sports. Sports are no longer just a hobby but a symbol of national pride. While this was the case before, especially since 2014, whenever an Indian has won a medal on foreign soil, Prime Minister Modi has personally stepped forward to encourage them. Campaigns like Khelo India have unearthed talent from every village. The government has also increased the sports budget almost every year.

Countless athletes have been given opportunities to train abroad, and facilities have never been scrimmaged. When someone from a small town emerges as a champion, the entire nation stands by them. This is an era where expectations are high. But when we witness such administrative negligence, it’s heartbreaking. According to reports, a machine purchased at a cost of ₹1.5 million under the “Make in India” initiative, meant to hone the strength and technique of our javelin throwers, was found suffering from rain and dust. It’s surprising that for months, a suitable location for its installation in the stadium couldn’t be found.

Will we become a sports superpower like this?

With a sports budget of hundreds of crores, if a machine worth 1.5 million rupees breaks down, it might not be considered such a big deal. But the story isn’t just that, because before purchasing the machine, it must have been considered where it would be installed. Then how could this negligence have gone unnoticed after the machine arrived? This javelin throw machine was based on the same technology used by the world’s greatest throwers. It’s sad to think that a machine that could have helped our athletes win medals is now, for no apparent reason, becoming junk.

Needless to say, we dream of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games. We want the world to recognize us as a sporting superpower. But becoming a superpower isn’t just about building large stadiums or making claims. It requires responsibility and accountability at every level. If we can’t maintain essential equipment lying around in the capital, how will we successfully manage such large events? This incident casts a serious shadow over our entire sports system.

Lack of facilities and struggle of players

India hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. This was followed by the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. For each event, lavish spending was made to develop facilities and systems to sports and athletes in the country. It wouldn’t be right to go too far back, but even today, millions of people in the country have not forgotten the news of the multi-crore rupee scams that occurred during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

However, the main point remains that most of our athletes struggle with numerous challenges. They lack the world-class facilities available to them. Therefore, when a good machine or equipment arrives, it is a lifeline. What will be their mental state if that facility is deteriorating right before their eyes, and the athletes are unable to use it? In my opinion, this isn’t just a waste of money, it’s a waste of the time and future of the athletes who are toiling for the country.

Now is the time to hold accountable

This report has exposed a careless system. It’s clear that some within the sports administration aren’t serious about their responsibilities. The budget for purchasing the machines was approved, but there was no plan for their installation or maintenance. It’s certain that this news will reach Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Prime Minister Modi sooner or later. And when it does, it won’t be ignored.

Strict action must be taken against those whose negligence led to this. If we truly want to dominate sports globally, such incidents must be prevented. We must create a system where full responsibility is fixed for every decision. Red tape and negligence should have no place in sports. We must make our athletes feel that the country and the system are completely behind them, not a hindrance.

The truth of trust in the hopes of a changing country

In conclusion, I would say that it’s not just about a machine. It’s about the expectations we place on every young athlete who takes the field hoping to bring victory to the country. When they run, the dreams of 1.45 billion Indians run with them. These dreams must be protected from administrative conflict. If the government is ensuring that every athlete receives the facilities they deserve, then we Indians must learn to trust each of our athletes.

This confidence will give us hope that the 39 medals won at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games will surpass the 100 mark, just like at the 2010 Delhi Games. With the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” we Indians will proudly host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games. We will be able to welcome the world, and our athletes will be seen standing on the podium proudly waving the tricolor.