In a landmark decision that marks a defining moment for Indian sport, Ahmedabad has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The announcement was sealed on Wednesday during Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly, where 74 member nations approved India’s bid. This historic win brings the prestigious multi-sport event back to the country after two decades and fuels India’s larger, long-term vision of bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The approval follows last month’s strong recommendation by the Executive Board, which recognized Ahmedabad as the ideal host city for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games. The comprehensive evaluation process was overseen by Commonwealth Sport’s Evaluation Committee.
Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare summarized the milestone by stating that India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, sporting passion, and global relevance—qualities that set the stage for the next century of the Games.
Fueling the Olympic Dream
The 2030 hosting rights significantly boost India’s ambitions to bring the 2036 Olympics to Ahmedabad. Over the past decade, the city has undergone rapid transformations to evolve into a world-class sporting hub, supported by massive upgrades to infrastructure.
Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted the city’s holistic development, mentioning major projects like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Gujarat Police Academy. He described Ahmedabad as a place “where heritage meets ambition and history meets hope”—a city ready for the global spotlight.
Competition for the 2030 Games came from Abuja, Nigeria, but the African nation is now being considered for the 2034 edition.
A New Chapter After 2010
India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, an edition that faced criticism for cost overruns and controversies. Yet, the country has rebuilt its reputation through consistent athletic progress and world-class events. The return of the Games symbolizes global trust and India’s renewed commitment.
PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India and the IOA, expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the 2030 edition will celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth Movement and “lay the foundation for the next century.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision, calling it a testament to India’s rising stature in the global sporting ecosystem. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya added that India could be among the top-10 sporting nations by 2036, and even top-five by 2047.
What to Expect in 2030
Commonwealth Sport confirmed that the Games will feature 15 to 17 sports, including:
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Athletics and Para Athletics
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Swimming and Para Swimming
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Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
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Bowls and Para Bowls
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Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
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Artistic Gymnastics
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Netball
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Boxing
Additional sports under review include cricket T20, archery, badminton, hockey, shooting, squash, triathlon, wrestling, cycling, and more. The host country may also propose two new or traditional sports.
Ahmedabad, in recent years, has successfully hosted major tournaments such as the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Aquatics Championships, proving its preparedness. The upcoming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave—featuring India’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, an aquatics center, football arena, indoor sports complexes, and a 3,000-capacity athletes’ village—is central to the 2030 preparations, slated for completion by 2028.
