Ahmedabad Set to Host the 2030 Commonwealth Games

On October 15, 2025, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport officially recommended Ahmedabad as the proposed host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This decision followed an extensive evaluation process, which compared Ahmedabad with Abuja, Nigeria, considering aspects such as technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and alignment with the values of Commonwealth Sport. The recommendation marks a significant step in India’s journey to hosting a major international sporting event.

The final confirmation will be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025. If approved, Ahmedabad will host the centenary edition of the Games, commemorating the inaugural Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

A delegation from India formally presented its proposal in London in September before the Evaluation Committee of Commonwealth Sport. The team was led by Gujarat’s Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P T Usha during the presentation on September 23, 2025. | Economic Times

Ahmedabad’s Infrastructure and Sports Preparations

Ahmedabad is rapidly transforming into a world-class sporting hub. Central to this development is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, a ₹6,000-crore project featuring the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, a football arena, an aquatic centre, and a modern athlete village. Additional sports complexes are being developed in areas like Naranpura, Naroda, Ghuma, and GIFT City to ensure state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and visitors.

Alongside sporting venues, the city is witnessing major infrastructural upgrades. These include a new ₹3,130-crore airport terminal, an expanded metro and BRTS network, and increased hospitality capacity to accommodate the influx of international athletes, officials, and fans. These efforts highlight India’s commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable Games experience.

Significance of Hosting the Games

The 2030 Commonwealth Games will carry historical importance as the centenary edition, reflecting a legacy of sporting excellence across Commonwealth nations. India, as the most populous member of the Commonwealth, has demonstrated its growing prowess in international sports, securing fourth place on the medal table at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Hosting the Games in Ahmedabad is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes, strengthen international partnerships, and showcase India’s capacity for hosting large-scale global events.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed pride in the Executive Board’s recommendation, noting that this milestone is a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on sports infrastructure and talent development. Dr. P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, emphasized that hosting the Games will highlight India’s world-class sporting and organizational capabilities while fostering a shared vision among Commonwealth nations.

The MGMM Outlook

Ahmedabad’s selection as the recommended host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games represents a remarkable milestone for India in international sports. The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport’s recommendation follows a rigorous evaluation of Ahmedabad against Abuja, Nigeria, assessing infrastructure, governance, athlete experience, and alignment with Commonwealth values. Central to Ahmedabad’s readiness is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, a ₹6,000-crore project that includes the Narendra Modi Stadium, a football arena, an aquatic centre, and a modern athlete village. Additional venues across Naranpura, Naroda, Ghuma, and GIFT City, combined with extensive urban upgrades such as a new airport terminal, expanded metro and BRTS networks, and increased hospitality capacity, position the city as a world-class destination for athletes and visitors alike.

Hosting the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games carries immense historical and symbolic significance, highlighting India’s growing influence in global sports. The nation’s strong performance at previous Games, including fourth place at Birmingham 2022, underscores its potential to deliver an exceptional event. Leaders like Union Home Minister Amit Shah and IOA President Dr. P.T. Usha have emphasized the opportunity to showcase India’s sporting infrastructure, talent development, and organizational capabilities, while fostering international collaboration among Commonwealth nations. Ahmedabad’s preparations reflect not only a commitment to excellence in sports but also a vision to inspire the next generation of athletes and present India as a hub for major global sporting events.

(Sources: OpIndia, News18, Economic Times)