New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, designating Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class stadiums, advanced training facilities, and vibrant sporting culture.
The approval follows the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) endorsement of the proposal after India submitted its Expression of Interest in March.
“The Union Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ proposal for India’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games,” the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said in a statement. “It also approved signing the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA) along with the required guarantees from relevant ministries and departments, and the sanction of necessary grant-in-aid to the Gujarat government, should the bid be accepted.”
India has until August 31 to submit its bid, with the IOA expected to complete the formalities within the next 48 hours. India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. The host nation will be decided by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in the last week of November in Glasgow. India’s chances have strengthened after Canada withdrew from the race, citing budgetary constraints.
According to the PIB, Ahmedabad is an ideal choice for the Games, with infrastructure that includes the Narendra Modi Stadium—the world’s largest—which successfully hosted the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final.
Ahmedabad is also a leading candidate to host the 2036 Olympic Games, prompting upgrades to the city’s sporting infrastructure. Key developments include the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which will feature an aquatics centre, football stadium, and two indoor arenas alongside the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.
The Commonwealth Games draw athletes from 72 countries. The government believes hosting the event will benefit local businesses, generate revenue, boost tourism, create jobs, and inspire young athletes. “Professionals will also find opportunities in sports science, event operations, logistics, broadcasting, IT, communications, public relations, and more,” the PIB noted.
The event is expected to foster national pride and unity. “Hosting a globally prestigious event will provide a shared national experience, boost morale, and encourage a new generation to pursue sports careers while increasing participation at all levels,” the statement said.
Ambitious sporting roster for 2030
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature a scaled-down program, excluding major disciplines such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey to manage costs. The IOA has emphasized that if India hosts the 2030 Games, all these sports will return, alongside traditional Indian sports like kabaddi and kho kho.
“The plan is to include all medal-earning sports such as shooting, archery, wrestling, along with our traditional games like kabaddi and kho kho,” IOA joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey said following an IOA Special General Meeting in Delhi earlier this month.
