In a landmark moment for global sport, Ahmedabad has been formally ratified as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement came after delegates from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories approved India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, paving the way for the centenary edition of the Games to be staged on Indian soil for the first time.
The IOA described the decision as a milestone for the Commonwealth sporting movement, with the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s cultural and economic hub set to become the centrepiece of the celebrations. India’s proposal reportedly impressed the assembly with its ambitious vision, which builds on the legacy of the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Games and promises a grand, future-ready edition for the 100-year anniversary of the event.
The ratification ceremony itself reflected the spirit of what lies ahead. As Ahmedabad’s name was announced, the General Assembly Hall was transformed into a burst of colour and rhythm, with 20 Garba dancers and 30 dhol drummers delivering a surprise cultural performance. The artists, drawn largely from Glasgow’s Indian and wider Commonwealth communities, showcased Gujarat’s traditional Garba dance, creating a powerful moment of cultural exchange and symbolising unity across nations.
The Commonwealth Games began their journey in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and have since evolved into one of the world’s most recognisable multi-sport events. At the most recent edition in Birmingham in 2022, Australia topped the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand, underlining the competitiveness and global appeal of the movement.
Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, hailed the development as the beginning of a “new golden era” for the Games. He noted that after a period of reform and restructuring, the focus now shifts to delivering Glasgow 2026 successfully, before heading toward what he called a “special centenary edition” in Ahmedabad. He also highlighted the growing global interest in hosting future editions, signalling strong momentum for the Games beyond 2030.
Echoing this optimism, Dr P.T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said the country was deeply honoured by the trust placed in it. She emphasised that the 2030 Games would not only commemorate a century of the Commonwealth sporting tradition, but also lay the groundwork for its future by bringing athletes, communities, and cultures together in a spirit of friendship, excellence, and progress.
Alongside the host confirmation, Commonwealth Sport also outlined the broad framework for the sporting programme at Ahmedabad 2030. Between 15 and 17 sports will be part of the final schedule. A core list has already been confirmed, including athletics and para athletics, swimming and para swimming, table tennis and para table tennis, lawn bowls and para bowls, weightlifting and para powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball, and boxing.
Work will begin next month to finalise the remaining events. Sports currently under consideration include archery, badminton, 3×3 basketball and wheelchair basketball, beach volleyball, T20 cricket, cycling, diving, hockey, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, rugby sevens, shooting, squash, triathlon and para triathlon, and wrestling. The host city will also have the opportunity to propose up to two additional traditional or new sports, adding a uniquely Indian flavour to the centenary programme.
