Ahmedabad will officially host the 2030 edition of the Commonwealth Games after delegates from 74 member nations and territories voted in favour of India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland. The confirmation marks a major milestone for India’s global sporting ambitions. Winning the Centenary Games not only brings one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events to India but also strengthens the country’s long-term goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, for which Ahmedabad has already been proposed as the host city.
Big Step Toward India’s 2036 Olympic Dream
India has been working for years to position itself as a strong contender to host the Olympics. Organising the CWG 2030 is seen as a crucial test of the country’s readiness, infrastructure, and planning ability. By winning the CWG bid, India now has a platform to show the world that it can successfully run a multi-sport event on a large scale. Government officials believe this will greatly support the pitch for the 2036 Olympics.
How Ahmedabad Won the Bid
Ahmedabad’s selection followed a competitive bidding process. Both Ahmedabad (India) and Abuja (Nigeria) had submitted proposals to host the historic 100th anniversary edition of the Commonwealth Games. Last month, the Commonwealth Sport (CS) Executive Board reviewed both bids. After a detailed evaluation, the Board recommended Ahmedabad to the General Assembly for final approval. The Assembly confirmed the decision, officially awarding the 2030 Games to Ahmedabad. At the same time, the CS Board also appreciated Nigeria’s interest and stated that Abuja will be seriously considered for the 2034 Games, keeping the door open for future African participation.
A Colourful Celebration at the Announcement
The moment Ahmedabad was declared the host, the General Assembly Hall lit up with a surprise cultural performance. Twenty Garba dancers, showcasing the traditional dance form of Gujarat, and thirty Indian dhol drummers entered the hall to celebrate the moment. The performers included members of Glasgow’s Indian community along with participants from other Commonwealth nations. Their presentation symbolised diversity, cultural richness, and unity across the Commonwealth. It also gave a glimpse of the vibrant experience athletes and spectators can expect when they arrive in Gujarat for the Games.
Leaders Welcome the Decision
Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare praised India’s selection. He said India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, and strong sporting passion to the Movement. He also noted that several nations have shown interest in hosting the 2034 Games and beyond, which keeps the future of the CWG healthy and secure.
Looking Back at CWG History
The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. At the last Games in Birmingham in 2022, Australia finished first on the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.
New Chapter for Indian Sports
Hosting the CWG 2030 is expected to accelerate sports development in Gujarat and across India. With major infrastructure projects already underway in Ahmedabad, the city will soon become a global sports hub. For India, the journey from the CWG 2030 to a potential Olympics in 2036 has officially begun.
