India vs. Nigeria: Battle for 2030 Commonwealth Games

India faces unexpected competition from Nigeria in its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with both nations submitting formal proposals by the August 31, 2025, deadline, Commonwealth Sport (CS) announced on September 1. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has pitched Ahmedabad as its preferred host city for the centenary edition of the multi-sport event, while Nigeria’s bold entry adds a twist to the race. The decision now rests with an Evaluation Commission, tasked with assessing the bids and recommending a host to the 74 member nations and territories at the CS General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland, in late November.

The Evaluation Commission, chaired by CS vice president Sandra Osborne, includes key figures like CS Executive Board member Helen Phillips, Athletes’ Advisory Commission Chair Brendan Williams, Glasgow 2026 Organising Company vice chair Ian Reid, former ASOIF executive director Andrew Ryan, and CS Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall (non-voting). The commission will review detailed proposals and hear in-person presentations from both nations in London later in September, ensuring a thorough evaluation process.

CS President Donald Rukare hailed the bids as a testament to the Games’ enduring appeal, stating, “India and Nigeria, two sporting powerhouses, demonstrate the continued significance and legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games.” The bids follow a new collaborative host selection process launched by CS in January 2025, which invited expressions of interest from its members for 2030 and beyond. While Canada initially expressed interest, it withdrew due to budgetary constraints, leaving India and Nigeria as the final contenders.

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India’s proposal aims to leverage Ahmedabad’s growing infrastructure and sporting legacy, building on its experience hosting major events. Nigeria, meanwhile, presents a compelling case as an African nation eager to showcase its capabilities on a global stage. The competition underscores the appeal of CS’s reimagined, sustainable Games model, designed to reduce costs and enhance accessibility. As the Evaluation Commission begins its work, the race for 2030 promises to be a historic showdown, with the winner set to shape the future of the Commonwealth Games.

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