International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko met with India’s Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to discuss the potential inclusion of paddle sport at the Ahmedabad 2030 Commonwealth Games.
In the bid for an increased presence at major international multi-sport events, Mr Konietzko, along with Asian Canoe Confederation President Prashant Kushwaha, proposed the need to capitalise on the popularity of the sport in Commonwealth nations.
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and Great Britain, which compete as separate nations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland at the Games, have some of the biggest names in paddle sport.
Mixed with many other emerging nations, it adds a unique regional appeal to the overall sports programme.
Dr. Mandaviya responded positively and stated that they would try to include the sport, considering its massive appeal in India.
Mr Konietzko and Dr. Mandaviya also discussed the development of an Olympic training centre in Tehri, where the 2025 President’s Cup was held.
India also expressed interest in hosting the ICF World Championships, with numerous infrastructure projects underway across the nation.
“We had a positive meeting with India’s Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and ACC President Mr Prashant Kushwaha, where we pushed for the inclusion of paddle sport at the Ahmedabad 2030 Commonwealth Games,” said Mr Konietzko.
“India has the potential to become a global powerhouse in our sport, and with many strong paddling nations competing at the Games, we hope to see our beautiful sport feature in yet another multi-sport event.
“We also discussed India’s plans to develop world-class venues for Canoe Sprint and Canoe Slalom, and hosting an ICF World Championships in the near future.
“With India actively in dialogue with the International Olympic Committee to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it can be the perfect dress rehearsal.”
Mr Kushwaha said: “We are happy after the dialogue with the Minister and hopeful that canoeing will get a chance to feature at the Commonwealth Games.
“With India hosting the event, it will be a historic milestone if we can achieve it.
“We are working hard to make world-class venues in India, with the Government also supporting the development of the first Olympic training centre in Tehri.
“We cannot wait to welcome the world and show what India is capable of.”
Paddle sport aligns closely with the key characteristics outlined in the Commonwealth Games Federation’s sport programme criteria, such as universality, high-quality competition, and operational feasibility, prioritising factors for sustainability and host benefits.
The sport’s deep cultural and historical roots across the Commonwealth bolster its relevance, making a compelling case for inclusion.
The host nation recommends the sports programme to be included in the Games, with the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) compulsory sports being athletics, Para athletics, swimming, and Para swimming.
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