Ahmedabad, India, has been officially recommended as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, edging out Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, in the final evaluation.
The announcement, made on Wednesday by Commonwealth Sport, marks a major milestone for India as the event will coincide with the centenary of the Games.
This selection means the Games will return to the world’s most populous nation for the second time in two decades, after Delhi hosted the event in 2010. Ahmedabad, located in the western part of India, emerged as the preferred choice following a thorough assessment by the Commonwealth Sport evaluation commission.
The recommendation is expected to be formally approved during the organisation’s General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, solidifying India’s position as the official host for the 2030 edition.
The city’s world-class sports infrastructure was a key factor in its selection. Ahmedabad boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium—the largest stadium in the world with a seating capacity of 132,000—which gained global attention during the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. With a population exceeding five million, Ahmedabad has long been regarded as a potential contender for future Olympic bids.
Dr. P. T. Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, hailed the selection as a significant step for India’s global sporting ambitions.
“We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth,” she said.
For Nigeria, the decision marks another missed opportunity. Abuja had also lost its previous bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which was eventually awarded to Glasgow, Scotland. Despite presenting a strong case emphasizing Africa’s readiness to host such a major sporting event, Abuja was once again edged out by stronger infrastructure and logistical guarantees from its Asian rival.
If ratified, the 2030 Games will further cement India’s status as a major player in the global sporting arena, coming just two decades after its first successful hosting.
What you should know
The Commonwealth Games, first held in 1930, bring together athletes from over 70 nations and territories.
Ahmedabad’s selection for the 2030 edition not only marks the 100th anniversary of the Games but also reinforces India’s growing prominence in world sports.
For Nigeria, Abuja’s second failed bid highlights the continent’s ongoing challenges in meeting global hosting standards despite its immense potential.
