A crucial Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) meeting underway today in Glasgow, Scotland, is widely expected to confirm Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Games, multiple sources close to the bid told media persons. The Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, has already reached Glasgow to receive the formal announcement.
If confirmed, Ahmedabad will become the first Indian city outside Delhi to host a major international multi-sport event and only the second in India after the controversy-marred but ultimately successful Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Why Ahmedabad 2030 Commonwealth Games Matters
- Marks the 100-year anniversary of the Commonwealth Games (first held in 1930)
- First time the Games will be held in India in 20 years
- Positions Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar as India’s emerging global sports capital
- Serves as a critical “test event” for Gujarat’s long-term ambition of hosting the Summer Olympics
From Two-Horse Race to Clear Favourite
The race initially featured several contenders, but Canada and Australia withdrew citing financial concerns. This left only two serious bidders:
- Ahmedabad, India
- Abuja, Nigeria
After extensive evaluations, including two on-site visits by CGF teams and multiple presentations in London, officials indicate Ahmedabad has emerged as the overwhelming favourite, thanks to:
- World-class existing infrastructure (Narendra Modi Stadium – world’s largest cricket venue with 132,000 capacity)
- Under-construction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave (350+ acres)
- Naranpura Sports Complex – a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility
- Compact Games village concept ensuring all venues within 30 minutes
- Unprecedented political and financial backing from both Central and Gujarat governments
Timeline of Ahmedabad’s Winning Bid Journey
- June 7, 2025 → First official presentation in London
- August 29, 2025 → Formal bid submission on National Sports Day
- September 23, 2025 → Final high-level meeting in London
- November 26, 2025 → Expected announcement in Glasgow
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, personally cleared the bid, signalling full national support.
Gujarat’s Long-Term Sports Vision Coming to Fruition
The groundwork for this moment began over two decades ago when Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, launched an ambitious statewide sports infrastructure push. Key milestones include:
- Reconstruction of Motera Stadium into Narendra Modi Stadium (2020)
- Foundation of Naranpura Sports Complex by Amit Shah (2022)
- Establishment of Swarnim Gujarat Sports University (2011)
- Annual Khel Mahakumbh – India’s largest grassroots sports festival since 2010
These initiatives have transformed Gujarat from having limited facilities to boasting some of Asia’s finest sporting venues.
Boost for Indian Athletes
Unlike the 2026 Glasgow Games, which controversially dropped shooting, wrestling, and hockey due to budget cuts, the 2030 host city will have full discretion over the sports programme. Indian officials have already indicated strong events like shooting, wrestling, badminton, weightlifting, and T20 cricket are almost certain to return — dramatically improving India’s medal prospects.
A New Chapter for Commonwealth Games in India
The Delhi 2010 Games, despite organisational scandals, delivered India its best-ever Commonwealth performance (101 medals, 2nd place). Sports leaders believe Ahmedabad 2030, backed by superior infrastructure and experience gained over 15 years, can set new benchmarks in hosting excellence.
As the Glasgow meeting continues, the mood in Ahmedabad is one of celebration and anticipation. From the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium to the soon-to-be-completed Sports Enclave, the city stands ready to welcome the Commonwealth family in 2030.
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