Commonwealth Games 2030: In a landmark decision that marks a turning point for international sport, Amdavad (Ahmedabad), India has officially been ratified as the host city for the Commonwealth Games 2030, a milestone edition celebrating 100 years of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The confirmation was made during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly held in Glasgow, where delegates from 74 member nations and territories voted overwhelmingly in favour of India’s bid.
The selection of Amdavad not only positions India at the centre of the centenary celebrations but also signals the global significance of the world’s most populous nation as a growing destination for major sporting events. The 2030 Games will follow Glasgow 2026, creating a powerful transition from one iconic city to another, bridging cultures, sporting traditions, and generations of athletes.
A Vision That Captured the Commonwealth
India’s presentation to the Assembly outlined a bold and forward-looking vision for the Commonwealth Games 2030—one driven by innovation, youth engagement, culture, and world-class infrastructure. Amdavad, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, sits in the heart of Gujarat and has rapidly developed into a centre for modern architecture, large-scale venues, and international connectivity.
The bid emphasised a Games experience that blends Indian vibrancy with global sporting excellence. According to Commonwealth Sport officials, India’s proposal “stood out for its ambition, scale, and ability to deliver a powerful centenary celebration that honours the movement’s legacy while inspiring its future.”
Moments after the official announcement, delegates were treated to an emotional and electrifying cultural showcase: 20 Garba dancers and 30 dhol drummers burst into the Assembly Hall, filling it with colour, rhythm, and the unmistakable spirit of Gujarat. The performance, featuring members of Glasgow’s Indian community along with performers from other Commonwealth nations, symbolised unity across cultures and marked the beginning of a new journey from Glasgow 2026 to the Commonwealth Games 2030.
A Rich Cultural Prelude to a Global Sporting Moment
Garba, a traditional Gujarati dance recognised worldwide for its circular rhythmic patterns and community participation, served as a powerful symbol of the cultural experience awaiting athletes and spectators in India. The impromptu celebration offered a small glimpse of the atmosphere expected in 2030—an environment where elite sport blends seamlessly with heritage, hospitality, and contemporary Indian identity.
Delegates described the moment as “joyous,” “emotional,” and “representative of the inclusivity the Commonwealth stands for.” The performance underscored the connection between Glasgow, which hosts the Games in 2026, and Amdavad, the next city to carry forward the legacy into the centenary year.
Honouring a Century of Sporting History
The Commonwealth Games have come a long way since their inception in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. Over the past century, the event has showcased some of the greatest sporting talents across continents. At the most recent edition, held in Birmingham in 2022, Australia dominated the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.
With Amdavad securing the rights to the 2030 Games, India now stands ready to host one of the most meaningful editions in the competition’s history—one that honours a hundred years of cooperation, athleticism, and cultural exchange among the Commonwealth nations.
Global Leaders React: “A New Golden Era for Commonwealth Sport”
Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, hailed the decision as a transformational moment for the movement.
“This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a ‘Games reset,’ we head to Glasgow 2026 in excellent shape to welcome 74 teams. Then our journey continues to Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games.”
Dr Rukare noted that India brings unmatched energy to the movement, highlighting the nation’s youth population, cultural richness, rapidly growing sports infrastructure, and global relevance. He also revealed that several countries have already expressed interest in hosting the 2034 Games and future editions, signalling a strong future for the Commonwealth Games beyond the centenary.
“We begin our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health,” he added.
India Responds With Gratitude and Ambition
Dr PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India and one of the country’s most celebrated athletes, expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in India.
“We are honoured by the confidence Commonwealth Sport has shown in India. The Commonwealth Games 2030 will celebrate a hundred years of the movement while laying the foundation for the century ahead. This event will bring together athletes, communities, and cultures across the Commonwealth with a spirit of unity and progress.”
Dr Usha emphasised that hosting the Games will inspire Indian youth and reinforce India’s place on the global sporting map.
Amdavad 2030: What to Expect from the Sports Programme
Alongside the announcement of the host city, Commonwealth Sport confirmed that 15 to 17 sports will feature in the Commonwealth Games 2030. The final list will be shaped collaboratively between the Amdavad 2030 organising team, Commonwealth Sport, and international sports federations.
The core sports already confirmed—based on the recent Sport Programme Review—include:
- Athletics and Para Athletics
- Swimming and Para Swimming
- Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
- Bowls and Para Bowls
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Netball
- Boxing
These sports will form the backbone of the centenary edition, reflecting global popularity and competitive depth across the Commonwealth.
Sports Under Consideration for Inclusion
The following disciplines are being evaluated and may join the final programme:
- Archery
- Badminton
- 3×3 Basketball & 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball
- Beach Volleyball
- Cricket T20
- Cycling
- Diving
- Hockey
- Judo
- Rhythmic Gymnastics
- Rugby Sevens
- Shooting
- Squash
- Triathlon & Para Triathlon
- Wrestling
Additionally, the host nation is permitted to propose up to two new or traditional sports, potentially giving India a unique opportunity to highlight cultural or emerging athletic disciplines.
The complete sports programme for the Commonwealth Games 2030 will be revealed next year.
Athletes Celebrate the Decision: “A Moment of Pride”
The announcement was met with enthusiasm by athletes across the Commonwealth.
Duncan Scott – Commonwealth Champion Swimmer
Multiple-time champion Duncan Scott reflected on the importance of the Games in his own career:
“The Commonwealth Games have always held a special place in my journey. Competing at a home Games is an extraordinary experience, and I’m thrilled for the Indian athletes who will get that opportunity in 2030.”
He added that travelling to India will offer athletes a chance to embrace Amdavad’s energy, culture, and ambitions.
“We look forward to handing over a strong, inspiring Games from Glasgow in 2026 to Amdavad for the centenary edition.”
Jaismine Lamboria – Indian World Champion Boxer
Indian athletes, too, expressed immense pride in the announcement. World Champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria said the decision would inspire a new generation:
“It is a proud moment for every Indian to see our country host the Centenary Commonwealth Games. Amdavad will welcome athletes and fans with unmatched warmth and spirit. Competing on home soil in 2030 will be a huge motivation for me and countless others.”
She added that the next decade is set to be a defining period for Indian sport as the country invests heavily in infrastructure, training facilities, and athlete development.
Amdavad’s Promise: A Modern, Inclusive, Global Games
Amdavad’s selection reflects India’s strategic commitment to elevating its global sporting profile. The city boasts cutting-edge venues, including some of the world’s largest stadiums, extensive transport links, and a growing hospitality sector.
The 2030 Games are expected to be a blend of tradition and innovation—celebrating Indian culture while introducing fresh ideas for sustainability, technology, accessibility, and athlete experience. From vibrant opening ceremonies to immersive fan zones, the Games aim to redefine how global multi-sport events engage audiences both on the ground and worldwide.
Commonwealth Games 2030: A Celebration of Legacy and the Future
As the Commonwealth Games approach their hundredth anniversary, the 2030 edition in Amdavad is being positioned as a symbolic and transformative moment. It is an opportunity to honour the past century—one shaped by competition, cooperation, and cultural exchange—while setting the stage for a more inclusive and dynamic future.
With India’s passion, scale, and capability, the Commonwealth Games 2030 are expected to be a spectacular global showcase of sport, unity, and innovation.
