Ahmedabad to Host Commonwealth Games 2030, Boosting Olympic Aspirations

Ahmedabad has been officially designated as the host city for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2030, coinciding with the centenary of the event. This announcement aligns with India's broader objective of securing the 2036 Olympic Games in the same city and is part of the ambitious National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, which aims to promote sports as a public good and bolster India's status as a global sporting powerhouse.

The decision to host the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad represents a strategic move to diversify sporting infrastructure beyond New Delhi, which has historically been the venue for major international sporting events. Notably, New Delhi hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, as well as the Commonwealth Games in 2010. While other cities like Hyderabad have hosted single-event tournaments, such as the Afro-Asian Games in 2003, the Commonwealth Games stand out due to their scale, with over 4,000 athletes from 71 countries participating in the 2010 edition.

The announcement was made during a general assembly of Commonwealth Sport in Glasgow, attended by representatives from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories. Donald Rukare, the president of Commonwealth Sport, remarked, "This is the start of a new golden era for us. India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance."

The selection of Ahmedabad followed a competitive bid process, where it faced off against Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The Commonwealth Games 2030 is anticipated to feature between 15 to 17 disciplines, with a review of the sport program recently completed. This review outlines the inclusion of sports such as athletics, swimming, table tennis, and boxing, among others. The final list of events will be confirmed next year, with potential for the inclusion of new or traditional sports proposed by the host.

Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha expressed optimism about the future, stating, "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 bring together athletes, communities and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress."

The Commonwealth Games has faced challenges in recent years, with limited interest from member nations to host the event due to financial constraints. The planned 2026 edition in Victoria, Australia, was cancelled after costs escalated significantly. In contrast, the Glasgow region has stepped in to secure hosting rights for that year.

As India prepares for the Commonwealth Games, the event is expected to invigorate local economies, enhance sports infrastructure, and inspire a new generation of athletes. Hosting such a prominent international event is seen as a crucial step towards achieving India's long-term sporting ambitions, including its bid for the Olympic Games in 2036.