India wins Commonwealth Games hosting rights after 20 years; event to be held in 2030

New Delhi: India has been awarded the right to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Sports General Assembly, meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, formally approved the Indian city of Ahmedabad as the venue. This marks a major step in India’s ambitious plan to become a global multi-sport hub.

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi. This time, the event will be held in Ahmedabad, where sports infrastructure has been rapidly developed over the past decade. India competed with Abuja, Nigeria, in the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid, but Commonwealth Sports decided to consider the African country for the 2034 edition.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi cost approximately ₹70,000 crore, several times the initial estimate of ₹1,600 crore. Maintaining relevance and finding a host for the Commonwealth Games has been challenging over the past few years. Athletes from 72 countries, mostly former British colonies, participate in the event.

In recent months, Ahmedabad has hosted events such as the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, the Asian Aquatics Championships, and the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. In the future, the Asian Weightlifting Championships, the Asian Para-Archery Cup, and the 2029 World Police and Fire Games will also be held here. A massive complex is being developed in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which will include the world’s largest Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, along with an aquatics center, a football stadium, and indoor arenas. An athletes’ village for 3,000 athletes will also be built within this complex.

The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games have a limited budget, with only 10 sports included. Wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey have been removed, a move India strongly opposed. However, the IOA has clarified that India will include all its medal-winning sports in the 2030 Games. IOA Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey stated that there are plans to include traditional sports like kabaddi and kho-kho, along with sports like shooting, wrestling, and archery.

Commonwealth Sport stated that India, the world’s most populous nation, has a rich history in sports and has performed exceptionally well in recent CWG events. Ahmedabad’s bid reflects India’s commitment, diversity, and vast reach in modern sports.