In a historic moment for Indian sports, Ahmedabad has been recommended as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games (CWG). The decision by the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport marks India’s return to hosting the Games after 20 years and strengthens its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The final approval will be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 26, where Ahmedabad’s proposal will be formally presented to the full membership for confirmation.
A Major Step Toward India’s Olympic Dream
India sees the 2030 CWG as a key step in its long-term plan to bid for the 2036 Olympics. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the recommendation “a day of immense joy and pride,” adding that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become “a marvel of a sports destination.”
A day of immense joy and pride for India.
Heartiest congratulations to every citizen of India on Commonwealth Association’s approval of India’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad. It is a grand endorsement of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s relentless efforts to…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 15, 2025
P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Commonwealth Games Association India, said the Games will showcase India’s world-class event management and sporting capabilities. “The 2030 Games will inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships, and play a role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047,” she said.
Ahmedabad’s Sporting Vision
Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city, has been building world-class infrastructure in preparation for large-scale events. The city already houses the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket arena, which is expected to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Enclave, currently under construction, will include a football stadium, athletes’ village, aquatics centre, tennis arena, and indoor sports facilities. The Naranpura Sports Complex, built for INR 825 crore, has already hosted international events such as the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship and the Asian Swimming Championship this year.
Tripti Agarwal
Global Recognition and Competition
Ahmedabad was chosen over Abuja, Nigeria, after a detailed evaluation by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee. The committee assessed technical delivery, athlete experience, governance, infrastructure, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s values.
While praising Nigeria’s strong proposal, Donald Rukare, interim president of Commonwealth Sport, said Ahmedabad’s vision aligns with the organization’s goals for the centenary edition. He added that efforts will continue to bring the Games to Africa in future years.
Reviving the Commonwealth Spirit
The 2030 Games will mark 100 years since the first CWG, held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. It also brings renewed hope for the event’s future after recent challenges, with cities like Durban (2022) and Victoria (2026) pulling out due to financial issues.
Hosting the Games will reaffirm India’s position as a reliable and ambitious global sporting nation. As P.T. Usha summed up, “This is more than a sports event, it’s India’s statement to the world that we are ready, capable, and confident.”
Tripti Agarwal
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