In a landmark announcement on November 26, Ahmedabad was officially declared the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, edging past Abuja, Nigeria, in a closely watched contest. Delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories ratified India’s bid during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly held in Glasgow.

Representing India were key figures driving the nation’s sporting ambitions—Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal K, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer, and Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Their presence underscored India’s united push to bring the Games back home after 20 years.

Minutes after the announcement, the Glasgow venue was electrified by a surprise cultural celebration featuring 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers presenting a vibrant taste of the cultural extravaganza that awaits the Commonwealth in 2030.

“A Celebration of a Century”

Calling the moment “deeply honouring,” IOA president PT Usha said:
“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 2030 Games hold special significance as they mark the centenary year of the first-ever Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930. 

Hosting such a milestone edition places India at the center of a cherished global sporting legacy.

Sports Line-Up: A Blend of Tradition and New Possibilities

Commonwealth Sport confirmed that the 2030 Games will feature 15–17 sports, compared to 10 sports at the upcoming 2026 Games in Glasgow.

Sports already confirmed include:

Athletics & Para Athletics

Swimming & Para Swimming

Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis

Bowls & Para Bowls

Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting

Artistic Gymnastics

Netball

Boxing

The full line-up will be finalized next year.

Sports under consideration span a wide spectrum: Archery, Badminton, 3x3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon (and Para), and Wrestling.

Notably, India can also propose two additional sports, offering an opportunity to showcase traditional or emerging disciplines.

Ahmedabad’s Strong Bid and Growing Sporting Legacy

Ahmedabad’s candidature gained major momentum last month when the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board recommended the city as the top contender for the 2030 Centenary Games.

The Evaluation Committee assessed Ahmedabad thoroughly on parameters such as:

Athlete experience

Infrastructure readiness

Governance

Alignment with Commonwealth Sport values

The city has steadily strengthened its sporting profile by hosting major events, including the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, Asian Aquatics Championships, AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, and soon, the Asian Weightlifting Championship and Asia Para-Archery Cup.

The Games will revolve around two major hubs:

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave

Currently under construction, this state-of-the-art complex will host multiple marquee events and serve as the Athletes’ Village, accommodating up to 3,000 athletes and officials.

Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium

As the world’s largest cricket stadium, it doubles as a versatile venue capable of hosting aquatic, football, and indoor events. Its presence within the Sports Enclave further consolidates Ahmedabad’s readiness to deliver a mega multi-sport spectacle.

With the Commonwealth Games returning to India after two decades, Ahmedabad’s selection is more than just a hosting victory, it is a resounding statement of India’s sporting ambition, infrastructure evolution, and cultural vibrancy. The 2030 Commonwealth Games promise to be a milestone moment—a celebration of India, the Commonwealth, and a century of athletic excellence.