Nigeria, India in Race to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
Nigeria and India have formally submitted bids to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest to stage the centenary edition of the prestigious multi-sport event.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) confirmed that the two countries met the August 31 deadline for submissions, making them the only bidders for the Games, which will mark 100 years since the inaugural edition held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
India has put forward Ahmedabad as its candidate city, with strong government backing and a detailed plan that includes hosting events at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue.
The Indian government cleared the bid late last month, promising financial guarantees and logistical support. The Indian Olympic Association has framed the proposal as an opportunity not only to celebrate the Games but also to enhance India’s sporting reputation, especially after the controversies of the 2010 New Delhi Games.
For India, the 2030 Commonwealth Games are also seen as a stepping stone toward its bigger ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
Nigeria, on its part, has proposed Abuja as the host city, citing its experience in successfully staging the 2003 All-Africa Games. The Nigerian Olympic Committee expressed confidence that the federal government will throw its weight behind the bid, positioning it as a chance to showcase the country’s progress, sporting talent, and cultural heritage to the world.
Hosting the centenary edition, the committee said, would also be a milestone moment for Africa, where the Games have never been staged.
The 2030 Games will be the first fully organized under the CGF’s revamped hosting model, which emphasizes cost-efficiency, sustainability, and legacy. This change follows recent challenges, including the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, from hosting the 2026 Games and Durban, South Africa, losing the rights to host the 2022 edition.
The bids from India and Nigeria will now be evaluated by a CGF commission, with both countries expected to make detailed presentations in London later this month. A final decision is scheduled to be announced in November at the General Assembly in Glasgow.
As the Commonwealth Games approach their centenary, the race between India and Nigeria carries added symbolism: India is pushing to cement its role as a global sporting hub, while Nigeria seeks to put Africa on the map as host of the Games for the first time in history.
