India is set to welcome the Commonwealth Games once again after two decades, with Ahmedabad confirmed as the host city for the landmark 2030 centenary edition.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Commonwealth Sport (CS) during a physical-cum-virtual press conference held in Glasgow, following the General Assembly’s ratification of the Executive Board’s October 15 recommendation backing Ahmedabad over Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
CS president Dr. Donald Rukare said the decision came after a “robust evaluation process,” marking a significant milestone for India and strengthening its long-term ambition to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The Indian delegation, comprising Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha, emphasised that the 2030 Games would be athlete-centric and built on sustainable models “which can be taken for the next 100 years,” The Hindu has reported.
Reflecting on the controversies surrounding the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, including delays and corruption allegations, Gujarat Sports Department principal secretary Ashwini Kumar said Ahmedabad was well-positioned to avoid similar setbacks. He noted the event could be organised using existing infrastructure, while acknowledging that new facilities would also be developed as part of the city’s goal to become India’s sports capital.
“This time we are well-prepared. The organising committee is going to be established within a month or so. Our fundamentals are very strong,” Ashwini said, adding that lessons from previous editions would help prevent over-commitment on facilities, as quoted by The Hindu.
Key infrastructure projects are planned at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Gujarat Police Academy, including a new athletics stadium and shooting range.
“The funding has been secured by the Government. The construction is likely to begin by April 2026, and we will be completing by the end of 2028 or early 2029,” Ashwini said. Ahmedabad is also set to host the 2029 World Police and Fire Games, The Hindu has quoted.
He added that October, aligning with the festive period of Navratri and Diwali, would be the preferred month to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.