Ahmedabad Recommended as Host for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Sport's Recommendation for Ahmedabad

On Wednesday, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport announced its recommendation for Ahmedabad to host the Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. This proposal will be forwarded for full Commonwealth Sport membership, with the final decision expected during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025. This information was shared through an official press release from Commonwealth Sport.

The recommendation comes after a thorough evaluation by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which analyzed candidate cities based on various criteria such as technical execution, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and adherence to Commonwealth values.

Under the 'Games Reset' initiative aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration, both Ahmedabad (India) and Abuja (Nigeria) presented strong proposals that highlighted their readiness and vision for hosting the Games. This recommendation marks a significant milestone for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, as the 2030 Games will commemorate the centenary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

With the Glasgow 2026 Games on the horizon, which promises to deliver an impressive experience for athletes and spectators, this recommendation sets an exciting stage for the Centenary Games and future events, ensuring long-term stability and momentum.

India, being the most populous nation within the Commonwealth, has a rich sporting heritage and a commendable track record at the Commonwealth Games, finishing fourth in the medal tally at Birmingham 2022. Ahmedabad's proposal underscores India's dedication to Commonwealth values and its capability to host a Games that mirrors the scale and diversity of contemporary sports.

Furthermore, recognizing Nigeria's ambitious submission, the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has committed to developing a strategy to support Nigeria's aspirations for hosting future Games, including considerations for 2034. This decision aligns with Commonwealth Sport's strategic goal to secure a future Games pipeline and to host events in Africa.

Future Hosting Opportunities for Nigeria

Donald Rukare, the Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, expressed gratitude towards both India and Nigeria for their visionary proposals for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. He stated, "Both proposals were inspiring, reflecting the vast opportunities within our Commonwealth family. The Executive Board has thoroughly reviewed the Evaluation Committee's findings and is recommending Ahmedabad to our membership. This is a significant milestone as we approach our Centenary Games, and we look forward to the General Assembly in Glasgow for the final decision."

He also noted the impressive vision and ambition of Nigeria's proposal, emphasizing the Board's commitment to collaborate with Nigeria's team to explore future hosting possibilities, reflecting a determination to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa.

PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association India, shared her thoughts, stating, "Hosting the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad would be an extraordinary honor for India. The Games would not only highlight India's world-class sporting capabilities but also play a significant role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. We view the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth."

Katie Sadleir CNZM, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Sport, remarked, "Today's recommendation is strategically vital for the future of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. It builds on the foundation that Glasgow 2026 will establish and sets a clear direction for the years to come. The Centenary Games in 2030 present an opportunity not only to celebrate a century of history but also to showcase how the Commonwealth Games can continue to evolve, creating meaningful impacts for athletes, communities, and nations across the Commonwealth."