India has taken a significant step toward hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) unanimously approving the country’s bid during its Special General Meeting (SGM) on Wednesday. Ahmedabad has been proposed as the host city, with the government committing to fully fund the event. The approval marks a pivotal moment in India’s long-standing ambition to bring the prestigious multi-sport event back to its shores, following the successful 2010 Delhi edition.
The IOA’s decision, finalized in a concise 30-minute SGM, paves the way for India to submit its final bid documents by the August 31, 2025, deadline set by Commonwealth Sport. India had already submitted an Expression of Interest, nominating Ahmedabad as the host city. “The approval was given unanimously by the General House. We will now move ahead full steam with our preparations,” said IOA joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey. With Canada withdrawing its bid, India’s prospects of securing the 2030 Games have significantly improved.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games are envisioned as a comprehensive and inclusive event, featuring core sports, host-selected disciplines, and additional sports, including India’s traditional games like kabaddi and kho kho. “The 2030 CWG will be a full-fledged Games. We will have all the sports we are good at and have a chance of winning maximum medals,” stated IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal. This contrasts with the 2026 Glasgow edition, which excluded major sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling, and shooting due to cost constraints. India aims to prioritize medal-heavy sports such as shooting, archery, and wrestling, alongside showcasing indigenous sports to highlight its cultural heritage.
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A team from Commonwealth Sport, led by Director of Games Darren Hall, recently visited Ahmedabad to inspect potential venues and engage with Gujarat government officials. A larger delegation is expected later this month to further evaluate the city’s infrastructure. The final decision on the host city will be made by the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in Glasgow during the last week of November 2025.
India’s experience hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, despite initial challenges, demonstrated its capability to manage a global sporting event. The 2030 bid focuses on leveraging Ahmedabad’s modern facilities and India’s sporting prowess to deliver a memorable Games. “The plan is to have all our medal-earning sports like shooting, archery, wrestling, and our traditional sports like kabaddi and kho kho,” Chaubey emphasized.
With government backing and a strategic focus on maximizing medal opportunities, India’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games signals its ambition to cement its status as a global sporting powerhouse. The coming months will be critical as the nation finalizes its proposal to secure this prestigious opportunity.
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