Ahmedabad to Host Commonwealth Games 2030: Centenary Edition Set to Transform India’s Sports Landscape

Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, has been tapped to stage the Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking a historic centenary edition. The decision, announced in Glasgow, signals a bold stride for India’s sport ambitions and a major upgrade in national sports infrastructure.

What the bid outlines

The western Indian city won the hosting rights over Abuja, Nigeria, in a decision that emphasizes a compact, athlete-focused Games. The program is set to include 15-17 sports, more than the 10 planned for the Glasgow setup but fewer than Birmingham’s 19 in 2022, with room for adjustments as the schedule is finalized.

Core events will cover athletics, swimming, table tennis, bowls, and weightlifting, alongside their para-sport equivalents. The bid also features artistic gymnastics, netball, and boxing, with the potential inclusion of additional disciplines as the final lineup is confirmed in December. Proposed sports being considered include archery, badminton, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, T20 cricket, cycling, diving, hockey, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, rugby sevens, shooting, squash, triathlon, and wrestling. Ahmedabad can also propose up to two new or traditional sports for the event, planned for October 2030 to suit local weather conditions.

Infrastructure and access

Ahmedabad is set to showcase facilities that are already in place or nearing completion, including high-capacity venues and a strategy to keep all venues within a 30-45 minute travel radius. The city highlighted its readiness to host a sustainable, modern event and offered free transport for all ticket holders to ensure broad attendance.

Voicing ambition

Dr PT Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, stressed that the country would deliver a “strong, inclusive, future-ready Commonwealth Games” designed to advance the event’s next century. The plans emphasize sustainability, innovation, and athlete experience, aiming to make the 2030 edition a turning point for the Commonwealth movement.

Background: How Ahmedabad won the bid

The decision comes after Glasgow positioned itself as the host for the next Games, with a revised format designed to cut costs and attract bids from multiple nations. India’s compelling proposal, backed by substantial infrastructure and a clear development roadmap, helped secure the centennial edition for 2030.

Officials from Commonwealth Sport noted that this bid signals the start of a new era for the Games, with India bringing scale, youth, and cultural vibrancy to the event. The project also aligns with broader national goals to showcase India’s emergence as a global sporting hub by mid-century.

What Ahmedabad could look like in 2030

Expect a tightly connected competition footprint, modern stadiums, and spectator-friendly operations. The organizing team promised smart, sustainable practices and a focus on delivering an exceptional athlete and fan experience, including subsidized or free transport for ticket holders where feasible.

Key Takeaways

• Ahmedabad wins hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the event’s centenary edition.

• The program targets 15-17 sports with scope to add up to two more, balancing scale and feasibility.

• Significant emphasis on sustainability, technology, and athlete experience, with all venues within close reach of each other.

• Major venues and infrastructure are already in place or underway, including strong transport plans for fans.

Expert comment

“This bid places India at the center of a new era for the Commonwealth, pairing grand ambition with practical delivery,” says sports analyst Dr. Priya Menon. “If execution matches the vision, the 2030 Games can become a benchmark for future editions.”

Summary

Ahmedabad’s selection to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games represents a landmark moment for India’s sports ambitions. With a compact, sport-focused program and a heavy emphasis on sustainability and accessibility, the centenary edition is positioned to be both a showcase and a catalyst for ongoing development. The event promises to reaffirm the Commonwealth’s relevance while highlighting India’s growing role on the global sporting stage.

Ahmedabad's 2030 Commonwealth Games bid signals a new era of sustainable, athlete-centered competition, underscoring India’s rise as a premier host nation for major global sports events.