India has secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad formally ratified as the venue at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said winning the bid reflects the country’s collective commitment to sports and added that India looks forward to welcoming athletes and delegates from across the Commonwealth. The Prime Minister stated that India has been placed firmly on the global sporting map through sustained progress in sports development.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the development, calling it a milestone for India’s journey towards becoming a global centre for sports. He attributed the achievement to strengthened sports infrastructure and administrative efficiency over the last decade.
The ratification confirms that India will host the centenary edition of the Games. Delegates from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories approved India’s bid. The proposal is centred on hosting the Games in Ahmedabad and aims to build on the operational groundwork of Glasgow 2026.
Following the announcement, a cultural performance featuring Garba dancers and dhol drummers was staged at the assembly. The performance reflected Gujarat’s cultural heritage and showcased themes of diversity and unity within the Commonwealth community.
Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare described the selection of India as the beginning of a new phase for the Commonwealth movement and said the centenary Games would build on the competitive and organisational structure established for 2026. He added that India brings scale, youth, cultural depth and sporting enthusiasm.
President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India Dr PT Usha said the trust placed in India carries responsibility and that the Games will support collaboration among athletes and communities across member nations.
The sports programme for Ahmedabad 2030 will include 15 to 17 disciplines. The Games will feature Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball and Boxing. Finalisation of additional sports will begin next month and the full list will be released next year. Host nations are eligible to propose up to two new or traditional sports.
Sports under consideration 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, Para Triathlon and Wrestling.
Athletes welcomed the announcement. Commonwealth champion swimmer Duncan Scott said the event will provide an opportunity for athletes to experience India’s sporting environment, while India’s world champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria said competing on home soil will motivate the country’s sporting community.
The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. The previous edition, in 2022 in Birmingham, was topped by Australia, followed by England, Canada, India and New Zealand.
-ANI
