Ahmedabad, India, has been formally ratified as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking the return of the prestigious multi-sport event to India after two decades. The announcement came on Wednesday (26) during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, where delegates from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories unanimously approved India’s bid.
The 2030 Games will not only celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth sporting movement, which began in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, but also showcase India’s ambition, cultural vibrance, and modern sporting infrastructure.
India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi. For the centenary edition, the country presented an impressive vision centered around Ahmedabad, leveraging both its historical significance and rapidly developing sports facilities.
The bid was designed to build upon the foundation set by the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Games, ensuring a seamless transition into the landmark 2030 event.
The announcement ceremony was filled with color and enthusiasm. Moments after Ahmedabad was named the host, 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers entered the hall, delivering a surprise cultural performance.
Originating in Gujarat, Garba served as a symbolic representation of the heritage, rhythm, and warmth that athletes and fans can expect at Amdavad 2030. Performers from Glasgow’s Indian community and other Commonwealth nations joined in, emphasizing unity and diversity—key themes of the Games.
PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India and a celebrated Indian athlete, expressed pride and gratitude after the confirmation. She emphasized that the 2030 Games would honor the Commonwealth’s century-old legacy while setting the tone for the next hundred years. She highlighted that the event would bring together cultures, communities, and athletes under a spirit of progress and friendship.
Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare described the decision as the beginning of a “new golden era” for the Games. Following what he referred to as a necessary “Games reset,” the organization now heads into Glasgow 2026 and subsequently Ahmedabad 2030 with renewed momentum. He praised India’s scale, cultural richness, and sporting passion, noting growing international interest for hosting future editions beyond 2034.
The 2030 Games are expected to feature between 15 and 17 sports. Confirmed disciplines include Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Bowls and Para Bowls, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball, and Boxing.
Additional sports under consideration include Archery, Badminton, 3x3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Hockey, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon, Wrestling, and more. Hosts may also propose up to two new or traditional sports, allowing room for local cultural expression.
Ahmedabad is rapidly emerging as a major sporting hub. It has recently hosted the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, the Asian Aquatics Championships, and the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Upcoming events include the Asian Weightlifting Championship and Asia Para-Archery Cup. The city will also host parts of the World Police and Fire Games in 2029.
Central to the 2030 Games will be the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, currently under development. Adjacent to the world-renowned Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, the enclave will include an aquatics center, football stadium, indoor arenas, and an athletes village housing up to 3,000 participants. The Gujarat government aims to complete most facilities by 2028, ensuring a world-class sporting celebration.
