The Indian city of Amdavad (Ahmedabad) has been officially confirmed as the host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the centenary edition of the multi-sport event. The announcement, made in Glasgow, was met with a vibrant celebration featuring Garba dancers and dhol drummers, showcasing the rich culture of India.

The city was chosen over Abuja, Nigeria, following a thorough evaluation by Commonwealth Sport, cementing India’s place as the second nation to host the Commonwealth Games after Delhi 2010.

Sports Lineup and Venues

Organisers have confirmed that the 2030 Games will feature between 15 and 17 sports, an increase from the 10 planned for next year’s reimagined event in Glasgow but slightly fewer than the 19 sports featured at Birmingham 2022.

Confirmed events include:

• Athletics
• Swimming
• Table tennis
• Bowls
• Weightlifting and Para-sport equivalents
• Artistic gymnastics
• Netball
• Boxing

Additional sports under consideration include archery, badminton, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, T20 cricket, cycling, diving, hockey, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, rugby sevens, shooting, squash, triathlon, and wrestling. Amdavad may also propose up to two new or traditional sports for the Games.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest with a capacity of 132,000, will host the opening and closing ceremonies. Other venues are located within a 30-45 minute radius, and free transport will be provided for all ticket holders, ensuring a seamless experience for athletes and fans.

India’s Vision for the Centenary Games

The Games align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of independence. Dr PT Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, stated that the Games would be “strong, inclusive, and future-ready,” with a focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and athlete experience.

“This will be a transformative edition, remembered as a launchpad for the Commonwealth in the next century,” Dr Usha said.

The centenary Games are planned for October 2030, taking weather considerations into account and providing an optimal environment for athletes.

Background: Glasgow 2026 and the Games Reset

The selection of Amdavad follows a reimagined format for the Commonwealth Games, designed to reduce costs and enhance sustainability. Glasgow stepped in to host the 2026 Games after Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to financial concerns. Similarly, Birmingham hosted in 2022 after Durban, South Africa, pulled out.

Dr Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, described Amdavad’s selection as “the start of a new golden era,” emphasizing India’s scale, ambition, and sporting passion.

“After a ‘Games reset’ we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition,” he said.

Looking Ahead

With its infrastructure, experience in hosting major events, and cultural vibrancy, Amdavad is poised to deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games, inspiring future editions in 2034 and beyond. The city hopes the centenary Games will restore sports excluded in Glasgow 2026 and set a benchmark for the next century of the Commonwealth Games.