Ahmedabad has been officially named the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking India’s return to staging a major global multi-sport event for the first time since the 2010 Delhi Games. The decision was endorsed by delegates representing 74 Commonwealth nations and territories during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on Wednesday.
India’s pitch for the 2030 Games highlighted Ahmedabad—also known as Amdavad—as a vibrant, forward-looking city with deep cultural roots, capable of delivering a landmark Centenary edition. The vision built on the momentum expected from Glasgow 2026 and underscored India’s youthful energy, ambition and strong sporting identity.
Moments after the confirmation, the Assembly Hall came alive with a colourful cultural showcase. Twenty Garba dancers accompanied by thirty dhol players, drawn from Glasgow’s Indian community and other Commonwealth regions, performed a lively routine that honoured Gujarat’s traditions and offered a preview of the atmosphere anticipated in 2030.
Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare said Ahmedabad’s selection signals a bright new phase for the Games. “This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a Games reset we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games.” He further added, “India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance, and I am delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond. We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health.”
Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister, Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, and a host of officers from Gujarat were present when the announcement was made.
Right from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel all have sent congratulatory messages.
2030 Games to feature 15–17 sports
The Centenary Games are expected to include between 15 and 17 sporting disciplines. The Amdavad 2030 organising team will collaborate closely with Commonwealth Sport and various International Federations to craft a dynamic programme that resonates with local audiences while appealing to the global sporting community.
Work to finalise the remaining events will begin next month, with the complete line-up to be revealed next year.
Sports currently under review 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 and Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. As host, India also has the option to propose up to two additional or heritage sports.
Commonwealth Games Association of India President Dr PT Usha expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in the country.
“We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate a hundred years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together athletes, communities and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”
The 2030 Games hold special significance, marking a century since the inaugural edition, held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.
India’s preparation for 2030
India has steadily expanded its sporting infrastructure in anticipation of hosting the centenary event. In recent years, the country has organised several major competitions, including the Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi and its first World Athletics Intercontinental Tour meet.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has aggressively pursued opportunities to bring global tournaments to its shores, with a long-term ambition of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. As part of this broader vision, India has been curating a strong pipeline of international events, fostering improved facilities and building a nationwide sporting ecosystem geared for the world stage.
Also Read: Ahmedabad Gears Up For 2030 Commonwealth Games, Seen As Stepping Stone To India’s 2036 Olympic Dream https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-gears-up-for-2030-commonwealth-games-seen-as-stepping-stone-to-indias-2036-olympic-dream/
