In a landmark announcement, Ahmedabad has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG), marking the return of the prestigious multi-sport event to India after two decades. The decision was confirmed at the Commonwealth Sport’s General Assembly on Wednesday, sealing the city’s bid for the centenary edition of the Games.
This milestone follows the recommendation made last month by the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board, which backed Ahmedabad as the preferred host. India last hosted the CWG in 2010, with the Games held in New Delhi. With this new victory, India is set to host the Games again in just five years, reigniting the country’s passion for global sporting events.
Dr. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance. We begin our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health.”
The decision also strengthens India’s growing ambitions to host the Olympic Games in 2036, with Ahmedabad actively competing for the rights to stage the Summer Olympics. Over the last decade, the city has made significant strides in upgrading its sports infrastructure, positioning itself as a potential future host of major international events.
India’s bid for the 2030 Games was not without competition. The Nigerian city of Abuja was also in the running, but Commonwealth Sport ultimately decided to award the 2030 Games to Ahmedabad and move Abuja’s bid to 2034.
For India, hosting the Commonwealth Games again marks another leap forward in its sports development. The 2010 Games, held in Delhi, were a major undertaking, with India spending over ₹70,000 crore—far exceeding initial estimates—to host the event. This time, however, the focus will be on more sustainable and efficient use of resources to ensure the success of the Games while managing costs.
PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India and the Indian Olympic Association, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in India. “We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport,” she said.
“The 2030 Games will not only celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth Movement, but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together athletes, communities, and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”
The Games are expected to bring a wave of international attention to Ahmedabad, boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchange. With an upgraded sports infrastructure and a growing global profile, the city is poised to shine on the world stage, contributing to the wider growth of Indian sports and its emerging role in global athletics.
As India prepares to celebrate a century of the Commonwealth Games, the 2030 edition in Ahmedabad promises to be a historic and transformative event for both the country and the global sporting community.
Discussion about this post