India has now formally taken a crucial move toward bringing the Commonwealth Games back to its soil. The Union Cabinet has given a nod to a bid for the 2030 edition of the Commonwealth Games. Ahmedabad has been selected as the proposed host city, described as “ideal” for the Games owing to its “world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture.”
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, naming Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue because of its “world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture”.
The green signal comes after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) earlier endorsed the proposal, which was first submitted as an Expression of Interest in March. August 31 is the final date to file the bid, and the IOA is expected to complete all formalities within the next two days. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010.
The host nation for the 2030 edition will be announced by the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in November at Glasgow. India’s chances appear strong, with Canada recently pulling out of contention citing budgetary constraints.
Ahmedabad in spotlight
According to the government’s statement, Ahmedabad stands out as the leading choice to stage the event. The city’s sports infrastructure has seen rapid upgrades in recent years, anchored by the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world, which successfully hosted the 2023 ICC World Cup final.
“Ahemdabad is an ideal host city offering world class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture. Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest stadium in the world, has already demonstrated its capability by successfully hosting the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final,” the release noted.
The upcoming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which is under construction, will further bolster Ahmedabad’s credentials. Alongside the iconic cricket venue, it will feature an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multipurpose indoor arenas.
India is also positioning Ahmedabad as a frontrunner for its long-term ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. Investments in sports infrastructure are being made with this larger vision in mind.
Boost for economy and sports ecosystem
The government highlighted that hosting the Games would go well beyond sport, spurring economic and employment growth. “Beyond sports, hosting the CWG in India would leave a lasting impact boosting tourism, creating jobs and inspiring millions of young athletes. Apart from that, a large number of professionals will be getting opportunities in Sports science, Event Operations and Management, Logistics and transport coordinators, Broadcast and media, IT and communications, Public relations and communications and in other fields as well,” the statement added.
Officials also emphasized that staging such a “globally prestigious event” would unite the nation and foster a sense of pride. “It will provide a shared national experience and boost the morale of our Nation. It will inspire a new generation of athletes to enter into Sports as a career option and encourage greater participation in sports at all levels,” it stated.
Unlike the scaled-down 2026 Games in Glasgow—which will not feature sports such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey—the Indian bid for 2030 promises a comprehensive roster. The IOA has already indicated that traditional medal-winning disciplines like shooting, archery, and wrestling will return if India hosts. Indigenous sports such as kabaddi and kho kho are also likely to be included to showcase the country’s sporting heritage.
If successful, the 2030 Commonwealth Games would not only mark the return of the event to India after two decades but also underline the country’s emergence as a global sporting hub.
