New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday congratulated citizens after the Commonwealth Association approved India’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad. He said the decision was a proud moment for the nation and an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a global sports destination.
Shah calls it a proud moment for India
Taking to X, Shah wrote, “A day of immense joy and pride for India. Heartiest congratulations to every citizen of India on Commonwealth Association’s approval of India’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad. It is a grand endorsement of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s relentless efforts to place India on the world sports map.”
He added that the government was focused on building world-class sports infrastructure and nurturing a nationwide pool of sporting talent. “Raising world-class infrastructure and a nationwide pool of sports talent, Modi Ji has made India a marvel of a sports destination,” he said.
Ahmedabad recommended as host city for Centenary Games
The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport on Wednesday announced that it had recommended Ahmedabad as the host city for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games, scheduled for 2030.
According to a press release on the Commonwealth Games website, Ahmedabad will now be presented for final approval at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025.
The recommendation followed a rigorous evaluation process by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which assessed candidate cities based on technical delivery, athlete experience, governance, infrastructure, and alignment with Commonwealth values.
India’s bid aligns with ‘Games Reset’ principles
The decision comes under the organisation’s ‘Games Reset’ principles—an initiative aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability, and collaboration among member nations. Both Ahmedabad (India) and Abuja (Nigeria) submitted strong proposals that demonstrated their readiness and vision to host the Games.
The Board’s recommendation marks a significant milestone for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, as the 2030 Games will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
India’s growing presence in world sport
India, the most populous nation in the Commonwealth, has a rich sporting heritage and a consistent record of success in the Games. At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, India finished fourth on the medal tally, underlining its growing sporting prowess.
Ahmedabad’s proposal highlighted India’s commitment to Commonwealth values and its ability to stage a Games that reflects the diversity and dynamism of modern sport.
The recommendation also comes as Glasgow 2026 prepares to host the next edition, promising a “wow factor” for athletes and fans alike. The upcoming centenary Games in Ahmedabad are expected to build on that momentum and provide long-term stability for the movement.
Nigeria’s bid receives future support
Acknowledging Nigeria’s strong submission, the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board announced that it would work with Abuja to develop a strategy for hosting future Games, potentially in 2034.
This move aligns with the Commonwealth Sport’s strategic goal of expanding its host base and ensuring that future editions of the Games are held across diverse regions, including Africa.
Outlook
If ratified, Ahmedabad will become the first Indian city to host the Commonwealth Games since Delhi in 2010, reaffirming India’s leadership in global sporting events. The final decision in Glasgow next year will determine whether the 2030 Centenary Games return to India—a development that could further boost the country’s sports ecosystem and international reputation.