The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport announced on Wednesday that Ahmedabad, Gujarat, will be forwarded as the proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking the event's 100th anniversary since its inception in 1930. Locally known as Amdavad, the bustling metropolis of over 8 million residents will now face a final vote by the full membership at the organization's general assembly in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 26. This development positions India to host the multi-sport spectacle for the first time since the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, which drew global attention but faced scrutiny over organizational challenges and infrastructure costs.
The Commonwealth Games, a quadrennial competition involving over 70 nations and territories from the Commonwealth of Nations, feature 20 sports and attract around 5,000 athletes. The 2030 edition, themed around its centenary, promises to celebrate a century of athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment. Ahmedabad's nomination comes after Birmingham, England, hosted the 2022 Games amid the COVID-19 disruptions, and Glasgow in 2014 set a benchmark for sustainability.
The Executive Board's endorsement highlights Ahmedabad's strategic appeal, including its world-class venues like the Narendra Modi Stadium—India's largest cricket arena with a capacity of 132,000—and the city's growing reputation as a hub for innovation and urban development.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed the proposal as a "proud moment for Amdavad and India," emphasizing the state's commitment to leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize costs, estimated at around $1.5 billion for the 2010 Delhi event. Officials noted that Ahmedabad's selection aligns with the Commonwealth Sport's push for inclusive, accessible hosting, with plans to incorporate para-sports and emerging disciplines like esports.
The city's vibrant diaspora connections within the Commonwealth, coupled with its proximity to major transport hubs, could boost participation from African and Asian nations. Economic projections suggest the Games could generate over $2 billion in tourism and investment, echoing the ripple effects seen in previous hosts like Gold Coast, Australia, in 2018.
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As anticipation builds, sports enthusiasts worldwide await the November vote, which requires a two-thirds majority for approval. Ahmedabad's bid, supported by the Indian Olympic Association, underscores India's rising stature in global sports governance. If ratified, preparations would ramp up immediately, focusing on legacy projects like upgraded public transport and green venues. This potential milestone not only revives memories of India's 1951 Asian Games in New Delhi but also signals a new era for the subcontinent in fostering international athletic ties, with eyes on the 2036 Summer Olympics bid.
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