India is exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking another significant step in its ambitions to become a global sporting hub. Following the submission of a Letter of Intent for the 2036 Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has initiated informal discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) regarding the feasibility of bidding for the centenary edition of the event.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Ahmedabad has emerged as the frontrunner to host the event, with Bhubaneswar also being considered as a potential venue. Unlike the 2010 edition, which was held in New Delhi, the focus has now shifted to cities with robust infrastructure development plans and long-term sporting aspirations.
Discussions and Site Visits by CGF Officials
CGF President Chris Jenkins and Chief Executive Katie Sadlier recently visited India to assess its preparedness for a potential bid. Their visit included meetings with key state and central government officials in Gandhinagar, Bhubaneswar, and New Delhi. During the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, Jenkins also held discussions with IOA President P.T. Usha regarding India’s interest in hosting the 2030 Games.
The CGF has set a deadline of March 31 for countries to submit an official Expression of Interest (EOI), leaving India with little time to finalize its decision. Given this timeline, the IOA is working closely with government officials to determine the feasibility of submitting a formal bid.
Jenkins spent three days in Ahmedabad, where he met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior officials. Gujarat reiterated its vision of hosting global sporting events as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its bid for the 2036 Olympics.
Ahmedabad’s Sporting Infrastructure in Focus
During their visit, CGF officials inspected key sporting venues, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, the soon-to-be-launched Naranpura Sports Complex, and the EKA Arena. The officials were reportedly impressed with the facilities, which are being developed to meet Olympic standards.
“The preparation here is on an Olympic scale, so there were no concerns over the venues,” said an official involved in the visit.
Ahmedabad’s bid aligns with Gujarat’s broader efforts to establish itself as a major destination for international sporting events. The state is also bidding to host the 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Championship, the 2028 Asian Swimming Championship, and the 2028 World U20 Athletics Championships. With an aggressive infrastructure push, Ahmedabad is positioning itself as a credible contender for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
CGF’s Hosting Challenges Work in India’s Favor
India’s interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games comes at a crucial time for the CGF, which has been struggling to secure hosts for upcoming editions. Durban was originally awarded the 2022 Games but later withdrew due to financial constraints, leading Birmingham to step in. Similarly, Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games due to rising costs, leaving Glasgow to take over with a scaled-down 10-sport program.
To make the event more financially viable, the CGF has introduced flexible hosting models. Jenkins and Sadlier informed Indian officials that under the revised framework, cities would no longer be required to construct a dedicated athletes’ village or new venues, significantly reducing costs.
By leveraging existing infrastructure and ongoing projects, Ahmedabad can host the event without the financial burden typically associated with mega sporting events. Estimates suggest that the new hosting model could reduce costs by nearly 60 percent.
“A lot of venues in Ahmedabad will be ready in the next three to four years. These facilities are being developed to foster a sporting culture, regardless of whether India wins the 2036 Olympic bid,” an official noted.
Gujarat’s Vision for World-Class Sports Infrastructure
Gujarat has laid out an ambitious roadmap to develop state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. The SVP Sports Enclave is expected to be a key venue, featuring the Narendra Modi Stadium, a multi-purpose indoor arena, and dedicated facilities for aquatics and tennis. Additionally, the Karai region will house an athletics stadium, a shooting complex, and an indoor arena.
The Naranpura Sports Complex is scheduled for completion by March 2025, while the SVP Sports Enclave and Karai facilities are expected to be fully operational by 2028. With these developments, Ahmedabad is positioning itself as a premier host city for international sporting events.
Strategic Advantage for India
Hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games would provide India with a significant advantage in its bid for the 2036 Olympics. Organizing a global event like the Commonwealth Games would demonstrate India’s ability to manage large-scale sporting competitions, enhancing its credibility on the world stage.
Additionally, India’s growing interest in sports beyond cricket, particularly in athletics, badminton, and wrestling, aligns with the Commonwealth Games’ focus on diverse disciplines. The event would also serve as a platform to promote sports tourism and boost the local economy.
Final Decision Expected Soon
With the March 31 deadline fast approaching, India must make a swift decision. If an official bid is submitted, it would mark the country’s second time hosting the Commonwealth Games, exactly two decades after the 2010 edition in New Delhi.
The final decision will depend on multiple factors, including financial commitments, government backing, and logistical feasibility. However, with a strong infrastructure base, strategic ambitions, and CGF’s revised hosting model, India has a compelling case to bring the 2030 Commonwealth Games to Ahmedabad.
