New Delhi: India has officially secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad chosen as the host city. The historic decision was approved by Commonwealth Sport (CS) during its General Assembly held in Scotland on Wednesday. This marks India’s first major multi-sport global event since the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, and strengthens the country’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, for which Ahmedabad is also the proposed venue.
Ahmedabad to Showcase India’s Global Sporting Vision
The selection of Ahmedabad follows a rigorous evaluation by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which assessed candidate cities on infrastructure, governance, technical capabilities, athlete experience, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values.
Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, hailed the decision, saying India brings “scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance,” and that the 2030 edition will usher in a “new golden era” for Commonwealth Sport.
IOA President PT Usha expressed gratitude, calling it a moment of honour and opportunity:
“The 2030 Games will not only celebrate a hundred years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will unite athletes, cultures, and communities in friendship and progress.”
A Landmark Centenary Edition
The 2030 Games will mark the 100th anniversary of the first Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. Positioned as “The Games for the Next Century,” the Ahmedabad edition aims to deliver a modern, sustainable, inclusive, and globally impactful sporting festival.
Ahmedabad’s bid competed against Abuja, Nigeria, which will now be considered for the 2034 Games.
Sports Line-Up: 15–17 Core and Additional Events
Commonwealth Sport confirmed that 15–17 sports will feature at Ahmedabad 2030, with final confirmation expected next year. Core sports already approved include:
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Athletics & Para Athletics
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Swimming & Para Swimming
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Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis
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Bowls & Para Bowls
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Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting
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Artistic Gymnastics
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Netball
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Boxing
Additional sports under consideration include:
Archery | Badminton | Cricket T20 | 3×3 Basketball | Hockey | Shooting | Wrestling | Rugby Sevens | Cycling | Beach Volleyball | Triathlon & Para Triathlon | Judo | Squash | Diving | Rhythmic Gymnastics
(Hosts may propose up to two traditional or new sports)
Ahmedabad Gears Up as World-Class Sporting Hub
The city is rapidly emerging as a premier international sports destination:
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Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, completed recently in Naranpura, is a multi-sport facility built at a cost of ₹850 crore and hosted the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in August.
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Motera, a 300-acre sports district anchored by the Narendra Modi Stadium, hosted the Asian Aquatics Championship in October and includes world-class indoor arenas and training facilities.
A New Future for Commonwealth Games
In recent years, the Commonwealth Games have struggled to find hosts due to rising costs, with Victoria withdrawing from the 2026 Games. However, the “Reset Principles” of Commonwealth Sport aim to reduce hosting costs and increase sustainability, making Ahmedabad 2030 a pivotal moment to reinvigorate the Games.
With India’s scale, infrastructure, and growing sports economy, Ahmedabad 2030 is expected to deliver a full-fledged inclusive Games, integrating para-sports and global innovation.
