Ahmedabad recommended as host city for 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Sport's Executive Board, on Wednesday, recommended Ahmedabad as the host city to hold the  Commonwealth Games in 2030. The final decision, which is said to be a mere formality now, will be taken by the body's  General Assembly in Glasgow after the recommendation is sent to the full membership of Commonwealth Sport.

India had hosted the Games for the first time in 2010 in New Delhi.

Getting the hosting rights would also be a major milestone in India's quest to become an Olympic host in 2036, also proposed to be conducted in Ahmedabad.

India was facing competition from the Nigerian city of Abuja in the 2030 bid, but Commonwealth Sport decided to "develop a strategy for supporting and accelerating" the African nation's hosting ambitions for future Games, including consideration for 2034.

"The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has today confirmed that it will recommend Amdavad, India, as the proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games," stated a press release from Commonwealth Sport.

"Amdavad (also known as Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat), will now be put forward to the full Commonwealth Sport membership, with the final decision taking place at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on 26 November," it added.

The recommendation follows a process overseen by the Commonwealth Sport's Evaluation Committee. The committee assessed candidate cities for "technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values."

"...both Amdavad, India, and Abuja, Nigeria, submitted compelling proposals that reflect the ambition and potential of the Commonwealth Sport Movement."

"A huge moment for Indian sports!...This decision reflects India's growing dominance in global sport, made possible by the visionary leadership of PM Shri  @narendramodi  ji, whose commitment has put India firmly on the world sporting map," Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya poste on 'X'.

Interim President of Commonwealth Sport Donald Rukare said the Executive Board found proposals from both India and Nigeria "inspiring" but ultimately chose Ahmedabad for 2030. "The Executive Board has carefully considered the Evaluation Committee's findings and is recommending Amdavad to our membership...and we now look ahead to the General Assembly in Glasgow, where our members will make the final decision," he said.

"The Board were impressed with the vision and ambition of Nigeria's proposal and were united in our commitment to continue working with their team to explore future hosting opportunities. This decision reflects our determination to take the Commonwealth Games to the African continent," he added.

Indian Olympic Association president P.T Usha, who is also the head of the Commonwealth Games Association (India), reacted saying that it would be an "extraordinary honour" for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games.

The Games would not only showcase India's world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth," she said.

—with PTI inputs