India Wins Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, a Centenary Celebration
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India has secured the rights to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, marking a significant milestone in the country's sporting history. The decision was made by the Commonwealth Sport general assembly in Glasgow, Scotland, where 74 member nations and territories voted in favor of the bid. The 2030 Games will be a centenary celebration, commemorating the inaugural Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930. Ahmedabad has been chosen as the host city, with plans to organize the event during the festive month of October. The city has expressed interest in showcasing its capabilities as a sports hub, with a vision to become the sports capital of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision, hailing it as a testament to India's commitment to hosting major sporting events. 'Delighted that India has won the bid to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030! Congratulations to the people of India and the sporting ecosystem,' he tweeted. The hosting of the Commonwealth Games has faced challenges in recent years, but Ahmedabad's bid reflects a commitment to deliver a sustainable, inclusive, and impactful event. The city will feature 15-17 sports, including India's top medal-winning disciplines, and will integrate para-sport into the program. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya termed the decision a 'momentous occasion' for India, saying it marked a major milestone in the country's quest to become a sporting powerhouse. 'We have made rapid strides in sports over the past decade, and this day marks a major milestone in India's sporting journey,' he said. The Indian delegation was represented by IOA president PT Usha, IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer, and Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, among others. The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board had proposed Ahmedabad's name for a final approval last month, citing the city's scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, and sporting passion. President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Ruparek, said India brings a unique combination of factors that make it an ideal host for the Games. Ahmedabad and Abuja, Nigeria, were the two cities in contention to host the 2030 edition of the Games. Gujarat's top official, Ashwini Kumar, expressed confidence in the city's ability to host the Games smoothly, citing strong fundamentals and a solid team behind the project. 'We are well-prepared, and our fundamentals are very strong,' he said. 'The organising committee will be established within a month or so, and we are confident that we will deliver a Games that will be remembered for years to come.'
