Cabinet clears India’s bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games, Ahmedabad named as ideal host

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and proposed Ahmedabad as the host city. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had earlier cleared the proposal after the submission of the Expression of Interest in March. The final submission of the bid will be completed before the August 31 deadline.

The Press Information Bureau stated that the Cabinet has given its approval for signing the Host Collaboration Agreement and for providing the necessary guarantees from concerned ministries and departments. It has also sanctioned grant-in-aid to the Gujarat government in case the bid is accepted. The host city for the 2030 Games will be decided in November at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.

Ahmedabad has been identified as the proposed host due to its large sporting infrastructure. The Narendra Modi Stadium, which hosted the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, has been highlighted as a central venue. The ongoing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is planned to include an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multiple indoor arenas to support different disciplines.

Athletes from 72 countries are expected to take part in the Games. The government has said the event will generate employment, support local businesses, and create opportunities in fields such as sports science, event operations, logistics, media, information technology, and public relations.

The Indian Olympic Association has confirmed that if India secures the bid, the 2030 edition will feature a full roster of sports, including those dropped from the 2026 Games such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey. Traditional Indian sports like kabaddi and kho kho are also planned to be included. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi.