India has officially secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad selected as the host city. The announcement came after the Commonwealth Sports Executive Board meeting held in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha signed the agreement formalizing India’s role as host.
This will be India’s second time hosting the Commonwealth Games, coming 15 years after the 2010 Delhi Games, where Indian athletes delivered a historic performance with 101 medals, including 38 gold.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated people of india on the occasion and termed it as collective commitment and spirit of sportsmanship.
First Multi-Sport Global Event in India in Two Decades
The 2030 edition will mark the first major multi-sport international event in India since 2010. Prior to that, India also hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. Additionally, the Afro-Asian Games were held in Hyderabad in 2003.
Why Winning the Bid Matters
Hosting the Commonwealth Games is seen as a major milestone—not just in sports, but in global positioning. It signifies:
- Strong infrastructure
- Sporting ambition
- International credibility
- Readiness for future global events
So far, only nine countries have hosted the Games, including Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand, and India.
Australia holds the record, having hosted the event five times.
Boost for India’s 2036 Olympic Dream
The successful Commonwealth Games bid is expected to bolster India’s chances of securing the 2036 Olympic Games. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier confirmed India’s intention to host the Olympics, and the country officially submitted its bid in November last year.
India’s Recent CWG Performance
At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, India won 61 medals — including:
- 22 Gold
- 16 Silver
- 23 Bronze
A major chunk of the medals came from wrestling, weightlifting, and athletics. The Indian women’s cricket team also claimed a silver medal.
100 Years of the Commonwealth Games
The 2030 edition will mark the centenary year of the Commonwealth Games, which began in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada.
Originally known as the British Empire Games, the name changed to the Commonwealth Games in 1978. Today, the event brings together athletes from 54 member nations of the Commonwealth.