The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially committed to pursuing the 2030 Commonwealth Games, following a unanimous vote during its Special General Meeting in New Delhi.
India had previously lodged an Expression of Interest, and now faces an August 31 deadline to submit its formal bid. The host city has not yet been confirmed, with IOA President PT Usha noting that multiple venues remain under consideration, including Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Delhi.
International Competition for Hosting Rights
India is not alone in the race. Nigeria and two other nations have also expressed interest in staging the event, while Canada — once a contender — withdrew earlier this year.
Officials from Commonwealth Sport, led by Director of Games Darren Hall, have already toured facilities in Ahmedabad and met with representatives from the Gujarat government. A larger inspection team is expected to arrive later in August.
The final decision will be made by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November.
A History of Success on Home Soil
India has hosted the Commonwealth Games once before, in New Delhi 2010 — a landmark year when the nation secured its largest-ever medal tally at the event: 101 medals, including 38 golds, finishing second overall.
Other strong performances include the 2002 Manchester Games (69 medals) and the 2022 Birmingham Games (61 medals).
Vision for 2030
Should India win the bid, IOA officials are aiming to deliver a full-scale Games programme, restoring sports such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, and shooting, which will be absent from the 2026 edition in Glasgow. There is also strong support for introducing indigenous sports like kho kho and kabaddi to the competition roster.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games will mark the 24th edition of the multi-sport event, which began in 1930.
For India, securing hosting rights would not only be a return to the global stage, but also a chance to leverage sport as a catalyst for national pride, infrastructure development, and broader participation.
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IMAGE: Reuters
