India is poised to make a monumental mark on the global sporting stage as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially approved the country’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games during its Special General Meeting in New Delhi on August 13, 2025. With an expression of interest already submitted in March, India is now racing against time to finalize its official bid by August 31, 2025.
This ambitious move, backed by robust government support and a growing national enthusiasm for multi-sport events, positions India as a frontrunner to bring the Commonwealth Games back to its shores for the first time since 2010. Ahmedabad is emerging as the likely host city, with the potential to reshape India’s sporting legacy and pave the way for its 2036 Olympic aspirations.
A Strategic Step Toward Global Sporting Glory
The decision to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games aligns with India’s broader vision to establish itself as a global sporting powerhouse. IOA Executive Council member Harpal Singh, speaking to The Indian Express, emphasized the strategic importance of this bid: “The mood in the country is there to host multi-event sporting events and also the aspiration of the country to host the Olympics in 2036.
So, hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a natural, or right, step in that direction.” This sentiment reflects a growing confidence in India’s ability to host large-scale international events, bolstered by its economic growth, improving infrastructure, and a passionate sports-loving populace.
India’s last hosting of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 was a landmark event, showcasing the country’s organizational capabilities despite initial challenges. The 2030 bid builds on this legacy, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, addressing past criticisms of the Commonwealth Games’ financial and logistical burdens.
Harpal, a member of the Commonwealth Sport reform committee, noted that the federation is undergoing a “reset” to make future Games more sustainable. “There have been challenges related to the Games not being sustainable. The committee is working on making it more feasible for anyone who hosts it in future,” he said. This aligns with India’s goal to deliver a cost-effective yet world-class event.
Ahmedabad: The Heart of India’s Bid
Ahmedabad, a rapidly developing metropolis in Gujarat, is the frontrunner to host the 2030 Games. A team from Commonwealth Sport, led by Director of Games Darren Hall, recently visited the city to inspect venues and meet with Gujarat government officials, signaling strong regional support. IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer confirmed, “Officially, Ahmedabad is going to apply as the host city, and we will see if there is a sport which doesn’t have infrastructure in the city, then we have centers like Bhubaneswar and Delhi to look at.”
Ahmedabad’s world-class facilities, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, make it an ideal candidate, though supplementary venues in Bhubaneswar and Delhi could ensure comprehensive coverage for all sports.
The choice of Ahmedabad reflects India’s intent to decentralize major sporting events from traditional hubs like Delhi, fostering regional development and showcasing Gujarat’s modern infrastructure. Posts on X echo this excitement, with users highlighting Ahmedabad’s potential to boost local infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance India’s global visibility. The city’s selection also aligns with India’s broader ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, likely in Ahmedabad, making the 2030 Commonwealth Games a critical stepping stone.
A Comprehensive Sporting Program
Unlike the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which will feature a truncated program due to logistical constraints following Victoria’s withdrawal, India’s 2030 edition aims to restore the event’s full grandeur. Harpal Singh clarified, “Glasgow was an aberration because of the pullout of Victoria 2026, and time was short. We will revert back to a program that is as close to the previous games.”
This means the inclusion of core sports, host-choice sports, and additional sports, ensuring popular disciplines like hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling—dropped in Glasgow—return to the program. This commitment to a comprehensive sporting lineup underscores India’s determination to deliver a memorable and inclusive Games.
The restoration of these sports is particularly significant for India, given its strong medal prospects in shooting and wrestling, which contributed significantly to its 66-medal haul (16 in shooting alone) at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. By prioritizing these disciplines, India aims to maximize its competitive edge while catering to the diverse interests of Commonwealth nations.
Overcoming Challenges and Competition
India’s bid comes at a time when the Commonwealth Games face scrutiny over their sustainability and relevance. The withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, from hosting the 2026 Games due to financial concerns highlighted these challenges, prompting Glasgow to step in with a scaled-down event. India’s bid, however, is bolstered by its proactive approach and government backing.
Recent reports suggest Canada has withdrawn its bid for 2030, potentially strengthening India’s position. “We are not sure if Canada has pulled out or not, but either way, our focus is on presenting a flawless bid to ensure that the hosting rights come to us,” Iyer told The Indian Express.
The IOA’s meticulous preparation includes consultations with stakeholders across Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Delhi to ensure robust infrastructure and logistical readiness. A larger Commonwealth Sport delegation is expected to visit India post-bid submission, with a final decision slated for November 2025 at the federation’s Annual General Meeting. India’s track record of hosting major events, coupled with its ongoing reforms to address doping and governance concerns raised by the International Olympic Committee, positions it favorably against potential competitors.
A Catalyst for India’s Sporting Ambitions
The 2030 Commonwealth Games bid is more than a standalone event; it’s a strategic move to build momentum for India’s 2036 Olympic aspirations. Social media sentiment on X reflects this optimism, with users noting that hosting the Games will “inspire a new generation of athletes” and position India as a “world-class sporting destination.”
The IOA’s earlier expressions of interest in hosting the 2026 Youth Olympics, 2030 Asian Games, and 2032 Olympics further underscore this ambition. The 2030 Games would serve as a proving ground, demonstrating India’s capability to manage multi-sport events on a global scale.
Beyond infrastructure and medals, the Games promise significant socio-economic benefits. Hosting in Ahmedabad could drive tourism, create jobs, and spur urban development, as noted by X users. The event would also elevate India’s soft power, showcasing its cultural diversity and organizational prowess to a global audience. With government support and a clear vision for sustainability, India is well-positioned to deliver a transformative Commonwealth Games that sets the stage for future triumphs.
The Road Ahead
As India prepares its final bid, the focus is on crafting a compelling case that highlights its readiness, infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability. The visits by Commonwealth Sport officials and the IOA’s proactive engagement with state and central governments signal a unified effort to secure the hosting rights.
If successful, the 2030 Commonwealth Games could mark a defining moment in India’s sporting journey, bridging its past successes with its future aspirations. With Ahmedabad at the helm and the nation’s sporting spirit soaring, India is ready to seize this opportunity and cement its place as a global sporting hub.