India Set To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games Pending Final Approval
India is set to host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030 pending final approval in Glasgow next month as they step up their ambitions to stage the 2036 Olympics.
The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport confirmed they will put forward the city of Amdavad – also known as Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat – to the full Commonwealth Sport membership, with the final decision taking place at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on 26 November.
Amdavad would also be the host city for the 2036 Games.
India had been vying with Nigerian capital Abuja for the right to stage the Games five years hence and the recommendation of Amdavad follows a process overseen by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee. It assessed the candidate cities on a wide range of criteria including technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values.
It will be the second time India has staged the event with Delhi playing host in 2010 where several swimmers were struck down by sickness, notably Fran Halsall who collapsed and had to be hauled out of the pool at one stage.
Glasgow, Scotland, will host a watered-down Commonwealth Games next year after Victoria, Australia, withdrew because of escalating costs.
Katie Sadleir CNZM, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Sport, said: “Today’s recommendation is strategically important for the future of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. It builds on the platform that Glasgow 2026 will provide and sets a clear direction for the years ahead. The Centenary Games in 2030 offer an opportunity not just to celebrate 100 years of history, but to demonstrate how the Commonwealth Games can continue to evolve, creating meaningful impact for athletes, communities and nations across the Commonwealth.”
Dr. P T Usha, President of Commonwealth Games Association India added: “It would be an extraordinary honour for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad. The Games would not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth.”
