New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) India was officially awarded the 2030 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday, with Amdavad (Ahmedabad) declared the host city.
The landmark declaration was taken during the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in Glasgow, where representatives of member countries approved India’s proposal to host the Games in Ahmedabad.
“India brings with it vastness, youthful energy, ambition, rich culture, immense sporting passion, and relevance. I am pleased to announce that it will host the 2030 Games and beyond,” said Commonwealth Games Chairman Dr. Donald Rukare, as the General Assembly hall reverberated with the sounds of drums and the euphoric beats of Garba dances.
Rukare called it “the beginning of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport”.
“Following the ‘Games Reset’, we are in great shape to welcome 74 Commonwealth teams to Glasgow 2026. We will then set our sights on Ahmedabad 2030 for the special centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the announcement. The PM posted on X: “Delighted that India has won the bid to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030! Congratulations to the people of India and the sporting ecosystem. It is our collective commitment and spirit of sportsmanship that has placed India firmly on the global sporting map.
“With the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we are eager to celebrate these historic games with great enthusiasm. We look forward to welcoming the world!”, the tweet mentioned.
Marking India’s return as the host of the world’s second largest multi-sports competition (the Olympics being the largest) after 20 years, the announcement set off historic celebrations at New Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) organised a special ceremony in the capital, attended by union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, senior representatives of the Indian Olympic Association, the Secretary (Sports), and top officials from MYAS and SAI. Olympians, Commonwealth medallists and sporting icons were also present, symbolising India’s growing sporting resurgence.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya described the day as “historic”.
“Organising the 100th year of CWG in 2030 is important for both the CGF and also us as the hosts. Under Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s sports sector is transforming. Hosting events like the Boxing World Cup, Hockey World Cup, World Para Athletics and more shows that we are ready to host international competitions of the highest level.”
“We are also getting ready to host the 2029 World Police Games and these will all further out arrangements for the 2036 Olympic games, which we are hopeful of hosting,” he said.
“The Khelo Bharat Niti and the Sports Governance Act are also going to fuel our transformation and reformation of Indian sports. In the next 10 years, India will be in the top 10, and by 2047, we will be in the top 5. I now urge all athletes to get ready to make the nation proud,” the union Minister added.
Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the world’s growing confidence in India’s hosting capability, citing recent praise from international leaders including World Para Athletics President Paul Fitzgerald, World Boxing President Boris Van Der Vorst, and Cuban Olympic legend Javier Sotomayor.
“Such recognition reinforces what the world already feels: India is ready. India is capable. India has arrived,” he said.
