India's Bid to Host the Commonwealth Games 2030
India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Ahmedabad, marking the centenary edition of the event. This decision is seen as part of India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.
Selection and Approval
- Venue Recommendation: Ahmedabad was recommended as the 'proposed host' by the Commonwealth Sport's executive board. Formal approval is expected during the General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
- Past Hosting: India last hosted the CWG in 2010, which faced issues of poor planning, infrastructure delays, and corruption allegations.
Significance and Goals
- National Vision: PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, emphasized that hosting the Games aligns with India’s vision for 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
- Youth Inspiration: The Games are seen as a platform to inspire youth, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to a shared Commonwealth future.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Candidates: Ahmedabad and Abuja, Nigeria, were the only two candidates. The event has struggled to find hosts due to financial constraints.
- Past Challenges: The 2022 CWG was moved to Birmingham after Durban withdrew, and the 2026 CWG in Victoria was canceled, with Glasgow stepping in.
- Strategic Plans: India aims to demonstrate its capability as a reliable host, learning from past experiences to improve transparency and facility development.
Future Developments
- Additional Events: India is targeting other international events, including the 2027 Women's Volleyball World Championship and the 2028 World U20 Athletics Championships.
- Key Venues: The Naranpura Sports Complex, built for Rs 825 crore, and the proposed Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Enclave will be main venues.
Commonwealth Sport Evaluation
- The recommendation for Ahmedabad followed a detailed evaluation process, assessing technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, and governance.
- India’s proposal emphasizes its commitment to Commonwealth values and its capacity to stage a diverse and large-scale event.