In a historic moment for Indian sport, Ahmedabad—also known locally as Amdavad—has been officially confirmed as the host city for the Commonwealth Games 2030. The announcement came after a unanimous approval from the Commonwealth Sport membership during the General Assembly held in Glasgow. The milestone is especially significant because the 2030 Games mark the centenary edition, exactly 100 years after the inaugural event in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

The decision not only brings the Commonwealth Games back to India after two decades but also strengthens the nation’s long-term vision of emerging as a potential host for the 2036 Olympic Games. With solid infrastructure, growing global influence, and a clear technological roadmap, India is aiming to deliver a compact, sustainable, and future-driven Games experience.

Amdavad 2030: A Wide-Ranging Sports Programme with Global Appeal

Commonwealth Sport has confirmed that the 2030 Games in Ahmedabad will feature 15 to 17 core sports, forming a dynamic and audience-friendly programme. Among the confirmed disciplines are:

• Athletics and Para Athletics

• Swimming and Para Swimming

• Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis

• Bowls and Para Bowls

• Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting

• Artistic Gymnastics

• Netball

• Boxing

The remaining sports will be finalised next year, with the evaluation process beginning in the coming months. Sports currently under review include archery, badminton, 3x3 basketball (and its wheelchair variant), beach volleyball, cycling, diving, hockey, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, rugby sevens, shooting, squash, triathlon and para triathlon, wrestling, and the highly anticipated T20 cricket.

While women’s T20 cricket made a successful debut at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, there is growing curiosity about whether both men's and women’s teams will participate in 2030. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has indicated that discussions are ongoing, and more clarity will emerge closer to the programme’s finalisation.

As hosts, India also has the privilege to propose up to two new or traditional sports. Early frontrunners include yoga, kho-kho, and kabaddi, with yoga in particular expected to be strongly pitched due to its cultural resonance and rising global popularity. Yoga is already set to debut as a medal sport in the 2026 Asian Games, further strengthening its case for inclusion at Amdavad 2030.

Nearby Cities Like Vadodara May Host Cricket Events

Given the immense popularity of cricket in India and the logistical needs of conducting multiple T20 matches, organisers are exploring additional venues beyond Ahmedabad. IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer revealed that Vadodara, located just over 100 km from Ahmedabad, could become a supplementary host for cricket fixtures.

Vadodara boasts two significant cricket venues—the Vadodara International Stadium and the Reliance Stadium—alongside an indoor sports complex. While the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with its capacity exceeding 100,000, is expected to host marquee matches and the final, the need for additional grounds makes Vadodara an appealing option.

Iyer emphasised, however, that the overarching vision remains to deliver a “compact” Games. Most events will be staged across Ahmedabad and the twin city of Gandhinagar, in line with Gujarat’s sports infrastructure blueprint.

India’s Vision: Compact, Technology-Driven, and Future-Ready

Ahead of the General Assembly vote, the Indian delegation—led by IOA chief PT Usha and supported by Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi—presented a detailed pitch focused on sustainability, efficiency, and technological innovation. According to Iyer, their presentation, which highlighted the use of future technologies including Artificial Intelligence, was met with enthusiasm, culminating in unanimous support from all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.

Iyer also confirmed that much of Ahmedabad’s required infrastructure is already either operational or nearing completion. The city has undergone rapid sports-oriented development over the past decade and is now positioning itself as a global sporting hub. With additional venues planned to support the scale of the 2030 Games, officials are confident that all infrastructure will be ready well ahead of schedule.

Major Venues for the Games: SVP Sports Enclave and Karai Sports Hub

Two high-impact sports hubs are expected to anchor the Amdavad 2030 Games:

1. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave — a massive 355-acre complex located adjacent to the Narendra Modi Stadium

2. Karai Sports Hub — a 143-acre venue in nearby Gandhinagar

These venues, complemented by planned infrastructure along the reclaimed riverfront, are expected to be fully ready by late 2028 or early 2029. Both facilities will also play a key role in the World Police and Fire Games scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad in October 2029, effectively serving as a large-scale test event ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

India’s Strong Interest in Sport Selection: Shooting, Wrestling, Hockey, and More

Several sports traditionally associated with India’s medal dominance were notably absent from the planned 2026 Commonwealth Games programme. These include shooting, wrestling, badminton, T20 cricket, and hockey—events where India regularly achieves top finishes. Their potential return in 2030 is crucial for the nation’s performance aspirations.

India’s best-ever performance at a Commonwealth Games came during the 2010 New Delhi edition, where athletes amassed 101 medals, including 38 golds. That historic tally remains unmatched. In comparison, India won 61 medals at the 2022 Birmingham Games, a strong showing despite the exclusion of shooting—one of India’s strongest disciplines.

By pushing for the reinstatement of sports where India excels, organisers hope to recreate the medal-rich atmosphere of 2010 and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Yoga: India’s Cultural and Sporting Pitch to the World

Among all potential new sports, yoga stands out as India's most symbolic and strategic proposal. Seen as a cornerstone of India's soft power, yoga continues to gain international traction. An Indian official confirmed that yoga is one of the sports India plans to propose as soon as the programme finalisation process begins.

Yoga’s inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games would not only highlight India’s cultural heritage but also align with global wellness trends. Moreover, it strengthens India's long-term ambition to feature yoga as a competitive sport at the proposed 2036 Olympic Games, which India hopes to host—again with Ahmedabad as the central venue.

Global Reception and Cultural Showcase in Glasgow

The confirmation of Ahmedabad as host city was followed by a vibrant cultural celebration in Glasgow. After India’s presentation, a troupe of 20 dancers and 30 drummers performed the traditional Garba, showcasing Gujarat’s rich cultural identity and adding a festive flair to the ceremony.

Commonwealth Sport president Dr Donald Rukare praised India’s bid, calling this moment “the start of a new golden era.” He highlighted India’s scale, youthful population, cultural depth, sporting passion, and international relevance as defining strengths that make Amdavad 2030 uniquely promising.

Avoiding Past Mistakes: India Aims for a Controversy-Free Games

While the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games delivered strong athletic results, they were marred by delays, infrastructural issues, and allegations of corruption. Acknowledging this past, officials this time insist that the nation is “well-prepared” to ensure a smooth, transparent, and world-class event.

Gujarat Principal Secretary for Sports Ashwini Kumar assured that funding is secured, venue timelines are meticulously planned, and the organising committee will be established within the next month.

According to Kumar, most venues are already functional and only require upgrades—not the large-scale construction delays that plagued Delhi 2010. “Our fundamentals are very strong,” he emphasised, underscoring the readiness of Ahmedabad’s sports ecosystem.

A Broader Sporting Vision: Targets Beyond the Commonwealth Games

India’s ambitions extend well beyond 2030. As part of a long-term strategy to establish Ahmedabad as the “sports capital of India,” the city is also targeting the 2031 World Athletics Championships and the 2033 World Aquatic Championships. Hosting such global events will further strengthen its credentials for the coveted 2036 Olympic Games bid.

Meanwhile, India continues to host major international events to build credibility. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently confirmed that the World Police Games will also be conducted in Ahmedabad, adding to an already packed schedule leading up to 2030.

A Historic Opportunity for India and the Commonwealth

The confirmation of the 2030 Commonwealth Games marks a transformative moment—not only for India but also for the Commonwealth community. For India, it is a chance to showcase organisational excellence, sporting infrastructure, cultural vibrancy, and global leadership. For athletes, it offers new opportunities for achievement. And for sports enthusiasts, particularly in India, it promises a spectacular, once-in-a-century celebration of athleticism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the victory succinctly: “It is our collective commitment and spirit of sportsmanship that has placed India firmly on the global sporting map.” With preparations already underway, Amdavad 2030 is poised to usher in a new era of sporting excellence—one built on ambition, culture, innovation, and national pride.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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