Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Oct 15: The executive board of Commonwealth Sport has recommended Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, the board announced on Wednesday. The final decision will be made at the board's general assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
Ahmedabad emerged as the preferred choice after a thorough evaluation process by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which reviewed bids from Ahmedabad and Abuja, Nigeria. The assessment considered technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values.
The recommendation reflects the movement’s new 'Games Reset' principles, encouraging host cities to innovate and deliver sustainable, impactful Games. Both India and Nigeria presented ambitious proposals showcasing their capabilities and vision.
"It would be an extraordinary honour for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad," said PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India. "The Games would not only showcase India's world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also contribute to our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047."
The 2030 Games will mark 100 years since the inaugural event in Hamilton, Canada in 1930. India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010, while the 2026 edition is scheduled in Glasgow. India finished fourth in the medal tally at Birmingham 2022, highlighting its sporting pedigree. Ahmedabad’s proposal emphasises the city’s capability to host world-class sporting events aligned with India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
"The executive board has carefully considered the evaluation committee’s findings and is recommending Ahmedabad to our membership," said Donald Rukare, interim President of Commonwealth Sport.
Recognising Nigeria’s strong bid, the board has committed to supporting Nigeria’s future hosting ambitions as part of a broader initiative to bring the Games to Africa.
"Today's recommendation is strategically important for the future of the Commonwealth Sport Movement," said Katie Sadleir CNZM, CEO of Commonwealth Sport. "The Centenary Games in 2030 offer an opportunity not just to celebrate 100 years of history, but to show how the Commonwealth Games can continue to evolve, creating meaningful impact for athletes, communities and nations."