India has taken a bold and visionary step towards the global sporting spotlight. On March 13, 2025, PT Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, officially submitted an expression of interest to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2030. This move reinforces India’s growing ambition to become a major player in hosting international sports events.
Usha’s communication to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) demonstrates India’s clear commitment and readiness to organize a world-class event. By selecting Ahmedabad as the proposed host city, India aims to combine its sporting passion with infrastructure prowess. The CGF has confirmed receipt of the bid, strengthening India’s position in the race to host the prestigious event.
Ahmedabad as a Rising Global Sports Hub
PT Usha emphasized Ahmedabad’s capacity to host high-profile events. She cited recent examples, including the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final and a sold-out Coldplay concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium. These events showcased Ahmedabad’s ability to manage massive crowds, complex logistics, and global attention.
Ahmedabad’s infrastructure has grown rapidly. The city now features world-class roads, an expanding metro network, and India’s largest sports complex—the Sardar Patel Sports Complex, home to the Narendra Modi Stadium. These developments enhance Ahmedabad’s attractiveness for hosting multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games.
Usha’s statement aligns with India’s broader ambition to host not only the Commonwealth Games but also the 2036 Olympic Games, for which the bid submission deadline is March 31, 2025. India’s government, backed by top sports and political leaders, has set clear intentions to make the country a global destination for athletics, team sports, and mega events.
Gujarat’s Focused Strategy to Elevate Sports
Gujarat has adopted a laser-sharp strategy to transform itself into India’s leading sporting hub. On Thursday, State Minister of Sports Harsh Sanghavi addressed the Gujarat legislative assembly, outlining the government’s long-term commitment to sports development.
Sanghavi thanked Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for allocating Rs 250 crore in the 2025–26 Budget for the state’s sports department—a significant 41% increase from the previous fiscal year. This funding boost ensures Gujarat can continue constructing and upgrading the infrastructure needed for elite-level events.
Currently, Gujarat operates 23 district sports complexes and five taluka sports complexes. In addition, the state is constructing 13 more district complexes and 19 taluka complexes at a combined cost of Rs 370 crore. These facilities provide athletes access to professional-grade equipment, coaching, and training grounds.
Sanghavi revealed Gujarat’s impressive progress in competitive sports. Two years ago, the state’s medal tally remained in single digits. Now, athletes from Gujarat have collected 808 medals at national competitions and 104 medals at international events. This transformation highlights the effectiveness of Gujarat’s athlete-centric initiatives and the Olympic Readiness Programme.
India’s Big Sporting Aspirations
India’s latest move to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games builds on years of steady progress in sports development. By hosting international events, India plans to create a domino effect—boosting tourism, infrastructure, youth engagement, and international goodwill.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a recent visit to Gujarat, reiterated India’s firm resolve to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He announced the construction of ten major stadiums at the Sardar Patel Sports Complex in Ahmedabad. This cluster will offer facilities for athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and indoor sports. The plan strengthens Ahmedabad’s capacity to host events across multiple disciplines simultaneously.
India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi. Despite some controversies, the Games proved a milestone in India’s sporting history. Athletes like Saina Nehwal, Sushil Kumar, and Gagan Narang rose to fame, and India finished second in the overall medal tally. The country aims to repeat that success in 2030, with improved planning, better infrastructure, and increased global credibility.
Strategic Timing and Global Context
The timing of India’s bid works in its favor. Several cities, including Singapore and Malaysia, have withdrawn from bidding due to financial concerns. This leaves the CGF searching for a financially stable, capable, and enthusiastic host. India checks all the boxes—massive public support, government backing, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and experience in hosting large-scale events.
In January 2025, CGF president Chris Jenkins and CEO Katie Sadleir visited Gujarat to evaluate Ahmedabad’s viability. Their visit included site inspections, meetings with officials, and detailed discussions on logistics, legacy planning, and athlete experience. The feedback from that visit was reportedly positive, further boosting India’s confidence.
The CGF will soon make its decision, and India remains hopeful. The Centenary Games hold symbolic importance, marking 100 years of the Commonwealth sporting movement. India’s deep-rooted ties with the Commonwealth, its booming economy, and growing sports culture make it a fitting host for such a historic event.
Sports as a Catalyst for Growth
Beyond medals and fanfare, hosting the Commonwealth Games will bring transformative changes to Ahmedabad and Gujarat. The influx of visitors will boost hospitality, retail, tourism, and transportation sectors. Local businesses will benefit from increased demand, while international exposure will attract future investments.
Employment opportunities will grow across sectors—construction, security, catering, logistics, and event management. The government will need to train thousands of volunteers and service providers, improving the overall skill base in the region.
More importantly, the Games will leave behind a powerful legacy of sports participation. With upgraded playgrounds, accessible gyms, and community centers, more youth will get inspired to take up sports. Schools and colleges will integrate competitive sports into their curriculum, and parental support for athletic careers will rise.
India will also improve its sports science and medicine ecosystem, investing in physiotherapy, biomechanics, nutrition, and mental coaching to support athletes and reduce injury risks.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indian Sports
India’s official bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad represents more than just a desire to organize another mega event. It signals the emergence of a new sports powerhouse, ready to engage with the world through competition, camaraderie, and culture.
From PT Usha’s leadership to Gujarat’s visionary planning, and from budgetary support to grassroots momentum, India has laid a strong foundation for success. The world is watching, and India stands ready—with world-class facilities, proven event experience, and an unstoppable sporting spirit.Now, the ball lies in the CGF’s court. But India has served its intent loud and clear: Ahmedabad is ready. India is ready. Let the Games begin.
