India Bids for 2030 Commonwealth Games as Stepping Stone to Olympic Dream
India has formally submitted its proposal to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, positioning the bid as part of the country’s broader ambition to stage the Olympic Games in 2036.
The submission, designating Ahmedabad as the host city, was made in London to the President of Commonwealth Sport, Dr. Donald Rukare, by a delegation from the Commonwealth Games Association of India and the Government of Gujarat.
The 2030 Games will mark the centenary edition of the multi-sport competition.
Gujarat Sports Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, described the bid as a reflection of India’s commitment to “sustainable and inclusive” sporting events.
He said the choice to submit the proposal on National Sports Day highlighted both the nation’s sporting heritage and its vision for future generations.
“Our approach is guided by the ancient principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ the world is one family, and by ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ which means ‘the guest is divine,’” Sanghavi said, underscoring the cultural values underpinning the bid.
Indian Olympic Association Executive Council member Harpal Singh stressed that the proposal went beyond hosting a sporting event.
“This is not just a bid to stage a sporting event, it is our commitment to the Commonwealth family to deliver Games that are athlete-centred, inclusive, sustainable, and future-facing,” he said.
According to him, successfully hosting the Commonwealth Games would demonstrate India’s capability, boost international credibility, and strengthen the foundation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-term goal of bringing the Olympic Games to India in 2036.
Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, added that the government was prioritising the development of world-class sports infrastructure and nurturing young athletes in partnership with the private sector to build future champions.
The federal government has already approved signing the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA) and secured the necessary guarantees from relevant ministries, cementing India’s ambition to host the Games.
The last time India staged the Commonwealth Games was in 2010, when New Delhi welcomed athletes from across the globe. If successful, the 2030 edition would bring the event back to the country after two decades, coinciding with its centenary celebration.
Punch
