London: India has formally pitched Ahmedabad to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, positioning the city as the venue for the centenary edition of the global sporting event. The proposal was presented in London before the Evaluation Committee of Commonwealth Sport by Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha.

Marking 100 years of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, the 2030 Games carry symbolic weight. India’s bid presents Ahmedabad as a compact and well-connected city with world-class sporting infrastructure, metro connectivity and modern accommodation to support thousands of athletes and officials.

A statement from the Gujarat government described the proposal as “compact, efficient and forward looking,” stressing affordability, inclusivity, flexibility and sustainability in line with the Games Reset principles. It also highlighted India’s commitment to integrating para-sport, protecting human rights, promoting gender equity and ensuring long-term community benefits beyond the Games fortnight.

Harsh Sanghavi said, “Hosting the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will be a proud milestone, not just for Gujarat but for India. We see these Games as a catalyst to inspire our youth, accelerate our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, and strengthen the Commonwealth Movement for the next 100 years.”

PT Usha added, “India’s bid is not just about capability, but about values. Ahmedabad is ready to pick up the baton from Glasgow 2026 and act as a springboard to the 2034 Games, ensuring that the centenary edition honours the past while shaping the future of Commonwealth Sport.”

The proposal has been jointly backed by the Union government, the Gujarat administration and the Commonwealth Games Association of India. If successful, it would mark only the second time India hosts the Commonwealth Games after Delhi 2010. Officials emphasised that lessons from past experiences, coupled with new infrastructure and governance models, would ensure a stronger, more efficient delivery.

The Commonwealth Sport authorities will announce the host city after evaluations and deliberations.

BI Bureau