Ahmedabad has been officially designated as the host city for the Commonwealth Games 2030, marking India’s return to hosting a major international sporting event since the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The decision was ratified by representatives from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly held in Glasgow.
India’s successful bid positioned Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, as a vibrant and culturally significant metropolis well-equipped to deliver a memorable centenary celebration. The proposal emphasized India’s youthful population, sporting enthusiasm, and deep-rooted traditions, building on the groundwork to be established by the 2026 Glasgow Games.
Following the official announcement, the General Assembly Hall came alive with a cultural showcase featuring twenty Garba dancers and thirty dhol drummers. Performers, drawn from Glasgow’s Indian diaspora and other Commonwealth communities, highlighted Gujarat’s rich cultural legacy and provided a preview of the atmosphere awaiting participants and spectators in 2030.
Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare hailed the decision as the beginning of an exciting era for the movement. “This marks the dawn of a new golden age for Commonwealth Sport. Following a strategic reset, we approach Glasgow 2026 in excellent form to welcome all 74 Commonwealth teams, before turning our attention to the special Centenary Games in Amdavad 2030,” he stated. He further noted that India contributes scale, ambition, cultural depth, and immense sporting passion, while expressing optimism about strong interest from multiple nations to host future editions beyond 2034.
Sport Programme to Feature 15-17 Disciplines
The centenary Commonwealth Games will showcase between 15 and 17 sporting disciplines. The Amdavad 2030 organizing committee will collaborate with Commonwealth Sport and international sporting federations to develop an engaging programme with both regional significance and worldwide appeal.
Finalization of the remaining disciplines will commence next month, with the complete sports lineup expected to be unveiled next year.
Sports currently being considered include Archery, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, T20 Cricket, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon and Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. The host nation also has the option to propose up to two additional sports, either new or traditional.
Commonwealth Games Association of India President Dr PT Usha expressed gratitude for the confidence shown by the Commonwealth community. “We are profoundly honored by the faith placed in us by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will commemorate a century of the Commonwealth Movement while establishing a foundation for the next hundred years. It will unite athletes, communities, and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of camaraderie and advancement.”
The inaugural Commonwealth Games took place in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. The 2030 edition will celebrate the event’s centennial milestone.
India’s Preparations Leading to 2030
India has progressively strengthened its sports infrastructure ahead of the centenary Games. The nation has organized numerous international sporting events in recent years, including the Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi and its inaugural World Athletics Intercontinental Tour.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, India has actively pursued opportunities to host major global sporting competitions, with the ultimate ambition of securing the 2036 Summer Olympics. To support this goal, political and sporting authorities have strategically scheduled a series of prestigious events, facilitating the development of comprehensive sports facilities nationwide.
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