Glasgow: Ahmedabad, India, has officially been awarded hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the event’s return to the country after 20 years. The announcement was ratified on Wednesday during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, where delegates from 74 member nations and territories voted in favour of India’s bid.
India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010. The centenary edition in 2030 will be staged in the vibrant Gujarat city of Ahmedabad, building on the legacy of Glasgow 2026 and showcasing India’s cultural richness, expanding infrastructure, and growing sporting ambitions.
Cultural Celebration Marks India’s Winning Moment
Moments after the announcement, the General Assembly Hall was filled with energy as 20 Garba dancers and 30 dhol drummers delivered a colourful performance representing Gujarat’s iconic cultural heritage. The presentation involved performers from Glasgow’s Indian community and other Commonwealth nations, symbolising unity, diversity, and the shared spirit of the Games.
A Historic Milestone for India and the Commonwealth Movement
The 2030 edition marks 100 years since the first Commonwealth Games, held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. The most recent Games in Birmingham in 2022 were topped by Australia, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.
PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, expressed gratitude following the confirmation:
“We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport. 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.”
Commonwealth Sport: A New Golden Era Begins
Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, hailed the decision as the dawn of a new era:
“This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a ‘Games reset’ we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition.
India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance.”
He also confirmed strong interest from several nations for hosting rights for 2034 and beyond.
2030 Commonwealth Games to Feature 15–17 Sports
The Commonwealth Sport body confirmed that 15 to 17 sports will be featured in the Centenary Games. The Amdavad 2030 team will work with international federations to finalise an engaging programme that blends Indian preference with global appeal.
Confirmed Disciplines
- Athletics & Para Athletics
- Swimming & Para Swimming
- Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis
- Bowls & Para Bowls
- Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Netball
- Boxing
Sports Under Consideration
Archery, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon & Para Triathlon, Wrestling.
The host may also propose up to two new or traditional sports.
This expanded programme aligns with the Indian Olympic Association’s vision for an ambitious Games, contrasting with Glasgow 2026, which will host a compact 10-sport schedule due to budgetary limitations.
Ahmedabad: India’s Emerging Global Sports Hub
The city has rapidly developed into a major sporting destination, having recently hosted the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, Asian Aquatics Championships, and AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
In 2026–2029, Ahmedabad and neighbouring cities will host multiple high-profile international tournaments, including:
- Asian Weightlifting Championship (2026)
- Asia Para-Archery Cup (2026)
- World Police and Fire Games (2029)
World-Class Sports Infrastructure Coming Up
The upcoming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave—featuring the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, an aquatics centre, a football stadium, two multi-purpose indoor arenas, and a 3,000-capacity athletes’ village—is set to become the heart of the 2030 Games.
The Gujarat government aims to complete all major venues by 2028.
