Ahmedabad has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the return of the multi-sport event to India after two decades. The announcement was made during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly on Wednesday, where the 74-member body gave formal approval to India’s bid.
The decision followed the recommendation of Commonwealth Sport’s Executive Board last month, which endorsed Ahmedabad as the proposed host city for the centenary edition. India last hosted the Games in 2010, in Delhi.
Dr. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, lauded India’s bid, saying:
"India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance… We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health."
The award also strengthens India’s aspirations to host the Olympics in 2036. Ahmedabad, already in the race for Olympic hosting rights, has significantly upgraded its sports infrastructure over the past decade in preparation for such large-scale events.
India faced competition from Nigeria’s Abuja for the 2030 bid. However, Commonwealth Sport decided to consider Abuja for the 2034 edition instead.
The Commonwealth Games, originally called the British Empire Games, were first held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
(By PTI Inputs)
