Ahmedabad has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a historic return of the multi-sport event to India after two decades. The announcement, made on Wednesday during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly, strengthens India’s bold aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad positioned at the heart of this vision.
The nod came after the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board recommended Ahmedabad as the host city for the centenary edition of the Games. With 74 members approving India’s bid, the event’s return to the country, last hosted in Delhi in 2010, now looks set to elevate India’s global sporting influence.
Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, described India as a nation of “scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance,” adding that the 2030 Games mark a strong beginning for the next century of the Commonwealth movement.
This decision also ignites momentum for India’s long-term dream: hosting the 2036 Olympics, a plan that centers around Ahmedabad’s rapidly advancing sports infrastructure. In the past decade, the city has undergone major development to present itself as a future-ready global sporting hub.
Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi reaffirmed this vision:
“We are building world-class sports infrastructure including the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Gujarat Police Academy. Ahmedabad is where heritage meets ambition, faith meets modernity, and history meets hope.”
He emphasized Ahmedabad’s strength as a well-connected, compact city, equipped with modern transport, robust accommodation facilities, and strong support systems.
Though Nigeria’s Abuja was initially in contention for the 2030 Games, the assembly shifted its consideration to the 2034 edition, clearing the path for India to lead the centenary celebration.
Unlike the 2010 Games—which cost nearly Rs 70,000 crore and drew criticism—this edition aims to present a more structured, transparent, and globally aligned execution.
PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, expressed deep gratitude:
“We are honoured by the trust placed in India. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate 100 years of Commonwealth spirit but also lay the foundation for the next century of athletic excellence.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya both welcomed the decision, celebrating it as a proud moment for the nation and a step toward establishing India as a top-tier global sporting power.
2030 Games: What to Expect
Commonwealth Sport has confirmed that 15–17 sports disciplines will be part of the event. The list already includes athletics (and para events), aquatics, table tennis, bowls, weightlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball, and boxing.
Additional sports under consideration include archery, badminton, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, cricket T20, cycling, diving, hockey, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, rugby sevens, shooting, squash, triathlon, wrestling, and more. Hosts may also recommend up to two new or traditional sports.
With Ahmedabad recently hosting prestigious events like the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and Asian Aquatics Championships—and set to host multiple international tournaments by 2029—the city is on track to become India’s sporting capital.
The upcoming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave will serve as the core venue, featuring an aquatics centre, football stadium, indoor arenas, and a dedicated athletes village capable of accommodating 3,000 participants.
The Gujarat government aims to complete major facilities by 2028, putting the city well ahead of the 2030 Games.
From the first British Empire Games in 1930 to the centenary edition in 2030, the Commonwealth Games have constantly evolved. Ahmedabad’s opportunity to host the milestone edition represents more than a sporting victory—it’s a national statement of ambition, resilience, and global presence.
