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India has taken a major step towards hosting one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally approved the country’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The decision, announced following a Special General Meeting (SGM) on Tuesday, sets the stage for India to make a serious push to bring the Games back to its shores for the first time since the 2010 New Delhi edition.
The approval marks the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes planning and lobbying, with the IOA’s General House giving its nod unanimously. If successful, the event will be staged in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city, which has been proposed as the official host.
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Full Government Support
One of the defining factors strengthening India’s bid is the commitment of the central government to fully fund the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This financial backing ensures that the organising committee will not face the kind of budgetary uncertainties that have plagued other international bids in the past.
IOA Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey confirmed the decision, stating:
The deadline to submit the final bid documents to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is August 31, leaving the IOA and the organising team just weeks to finalise technical, operational, and logistical details.
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Boosted Chances After Canada Withdrawal
India’s prospects of winning the hosting rights have improved significantly after Canada withdrew from the race earlier this year. The withdrawal leaves India as the leading candidate, with no other confirmed bidders making a serious challenge at this stage.
The 2030 Games will be a full-scale edition, in stark contrast to the 2026 Games in Glasgow, which will feature a reduced roster of sports due to cost considerations.
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A Full-Fledged Sporting Showcase
Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal expressed optimism about India’s chances, highlighting that the 2030 edition will feature a wide array of sports in which India traditionally excels.
Rajpal also outlined the structure of the sporting programme:
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Core sports: The mandatory disciplines always included in the Commonwealth Games.
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Host-nation sports: Events chosen by the organising country to reflect national strengths and interests.
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Additional sports: Special disciplines that can be added to enhance local appeal.
The IOA plans to use this flexibility to showcase both modern Olympic sports and traditional Indian sports such as kabaddi and kho kho.
Focus on Medal-Rich Disciplines
India’s sporting authorities are keen to ensure that high-performing disciplines like shooting, archery, wrestling, and badminton are included in the final programme.
The absence of these sports from the 2026 edition has sparked debate among Commonwealth nations, as it significantly reduces medal opportunities for countries like India. For 2030, the IOA is determined to have these events reinstated alongside athletics, boxing, table tennis, and weightlifting.
Site Visits and Preparations in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the proposed host city, has been under close scrutiny from the Commonwealth Sport officials. Led by Darren Hall, Director of Games for the CGF, a delegation recently toured proposed venues, met with Gujarat government officials, and inspected infrastructure readiness.
The city’s existing facilities, including the Narendra Modi Stadium — the world’s largest cricket stadium — and a growing network of multi-sport arenas, are expected to be central to the Games.
A larger delegation from the Commonwealth Sport organisation is scheduled to visit later this month, with detailed evaluations of competition venues, accommodation plans, and transportation networks on the agenda.
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Decision Timeline
The final decision on the 2030 host city will be made by the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in late November, during a meeting in Glasgow.
Given the absence of rival bidders and the strength of India’s government-backed proposal, the IOA is confident of a positive outcome. However, the final months before the vote will be crucial for ensuring that India’s bid is presented as technically sound, financially secure, and globally appealing.
Historical Significance
If awarded, the 2030 Games would mark the second time India has hosted the Commonwealth Games, following the 2010 edition in New Delhi.
The 2010 Games were widely praised for their sporting performances — India finished second in the medals table with 101 medals, including 38 gold — but were also marred by pre-Games controversies over construction delays and budget overruns. The IOA and the government are determined to avoid a repeat, promising on-time delivery of all infrastructure and transparent spending.
Hosting in Ahmedabad also marks a strategic shift from the capital to a rapidly developing city with modern infrastructure and strong political support at both state and national levels.
Economic and Sporting Impact
The potential benefits of hosting the 2030 Games are significant:
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Tourism boost: The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of athletes, officials, and spectators from across the Commonwealth, boosting local and national tourism.
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Infrastructure upgrades: Road networks, public transport, and sports facilities in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas are expected to see accelerated development.
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Sporting legacy: Hosting can inspire greater participation in sports across India, particularly in regions where access to top-class facilities is limited.
Economists also point to the potential for job creation, both in the lead-up to and during the Games, spanning construction, event management, hospitality, and media sectors.
International Positioning
Winning the right to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games would further bolster India’s position as a rising force in global sports administration. The country is already set to host major events in the next decade, including the 2036 Asian Games bid and potential FIFA tournaments.
By successfully delivering a seamless 2030 Games, India could also strengthen its case for future Olympic hosting ambitions — a topic that has been quietly discussed within sports and political circles.
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The Road Ahead
For now, the focus remains on completing and submitting the final bid documents before the August 31 deadline. These will include detailed operational plans, financial guarantees, and venue blueprints, as well as cultural and ceremonial proposals aimed at showcasing India’s heritage on a global stage.
If successful in November’s vote, the IOA and organising committee will have just under five years to prepare — a relatively short window by major event standards, but one they believe is achievable given government support and existing infrastructure.
As Chaubey summed up:
With the odds tilted in India’s favour and the clock ticking down to the final decision, anticipation is building that the Commonwealth Games could once again light up Indian soil — this time in the heart of Gujarat.
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