India Pursues 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid in Gujarat
Md Umar Nezami
College :- Aligarh Muslim University
Editor- Malla Greeshma
On May 23, 2023 India formally announced its interest to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat with Ahmedabad as the proposed host city. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and President P. T. Usha, a former Olympic athlete, submitted an “expression of interest” to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on behalf of India’s Commonwealth Games Association in March 2025 and were informed that the CGF received the expression of interest. A source from the sports ministry in India informed the media that the country has submitted the expression of interest by the state government of Gujarat and the Indian Olympic Association. The deadline to submit an expression of interest is March 31, 2025 with general site-visit will take place by Commonwealth Sport between April and August, and the announcement of the potential host city in November 2025. Prime Minister Modi and Minister of Sport Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya have both called attention to it stating if the 2030 Games were to come to India, it could bolster India’s chances of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
Official Endorsements for the Gujarat Bid
In India, government and sports officials are firmly supporting the Gujarat bid. Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi has gone to London with delegations to speak to Commonwealth Sport leaders, where they presented India’s proposal and spoke to Commonwealth values. Sanghavi said to Commonwealth Sport officials, “The Games of 2030 are to be based in sustainability and community engagement, and above all athlete experience. Athletes are the primary focus of the Games and every decision we make will be based on their comfort, their needs, and their performance.” He claimed that the focus of the Gujarat plan is on “long term impact, not short term spectacle”, using existing venues when possible and ensuring that the event would Union Sports Minister Mandaviya has also communicated India’s commitment. In a government leave “meaningful legacy” on local communities. Usha stated:
“Through sports, we can unite nations, inspire youth, and create social change. India is ready and capable to partner with the Commonwealth Games Federation, to kick off a legacy-oriented, future-focused edition of the Games in 2030.”
CGF and International Sports Reactions
International sports associations have responded positively to India’s bid. Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief executive officer Katie Sadleir lauded India’s growing sporting profile at a summit in New Delhi in February 2025, saying it would “be an incredible feat for India to host the Games in 2030, and this all fits with India’s ambitions within the Olympics.” Sadleir noted the “passion, infrastructure and leadership” of India, declaring that “in the very near future, we will see India positioned as one of the premier global sporting nations.” Sadleir argued that sporting success enhances a country’s presence globally, stating” sports are massively important to creating the image of a country,” which means being a “sporting powerhouse” significantly raises a country’s influence on the global stage. Several other international figures have lifted their voice in support of the International Federation (IF) and National Olympic Committees (NOC) bids. Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), praised India’s commitment, as he noted “India is working tirelessly, and at the end of the day these are actions that show India is serious about sports moving forward.
Gujarat’s Venues and Preparations
The offer made by Gujarat is situated upon a varied number of sporting facilities and new infrastructure in Ahmedabad and neighbouring Gandhinagar. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is perhaps the largest and most ambitious location in the proposed development and will produce a new sports complex situated in Motera alongside the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium (the world’s largest cricket venue). According to state reports, the enclave is planned to deliver facilities for athletics, aquatics, indoor sports, etc. In addition to Motera, Gujarat has proposed a wide array of locations; for example, a Karai Sports Hub (located near Ahmedabad) planned for athletics and triathlon, and the historic Statue of Unity site (in Kevadia) that could host beach volleyball and mountain biking. Other proposed venues include Gujarat University (shooting and netball), the Mahatma Mandir (wrestling and weightlifting), TransStadia’s Eka Arena (e-sports and martial arts) and various sports complexes in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
A timeline of major events connected to the bid continues to take shape. In Ahmedabad, the Asian Weightlifting Championships will take place in 2025 and the Asian Swimming Championships will be held in the second half of the year, providing a stress test for the local organizing capability. In addition, the state is also looking to host the Under-20 World Athletics Championships (2028) and the Asian Youth Games (2033) as part of a bigger sports festival in Gujarat. These events build upon the momentum from Gujarat’s recent record of staging large sports and entertainment spectacles – including the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup at Motera and a range of international cricket leagues – and fit within the state government’s desire to cluster high-profile events.
Strategic Significance
Due to multiple dimensions involving sport and geopolitics, India’s bid for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) is an interesting case study. First, by 2030 Will mark the 100 anniversary day of the Commonwealth Games for many member nations, hosting the CWG would elevate India’s global perceptions as the Commonwealth’s largest member nation. It also fits with India’s recent push to engage in what are termed “sports diplomacy’ events, utilizing a successful bid that as a host of 2030, India can create awareness to the world in regard to India’s development and relationships with member nation, the Commonwealth sporting environment possesses unique international advantages in term of developing universal constructs about how sports, games and events are determined and shared; overtly political behaviours are less prevalent. India’s own leadership understands the potential implications of a successful 2030 CWG, when strategic regions of India grow into the potential of competing for future global major sports events – Sadleir’s analysis notes the successful hosting of the CWG in 2030, will advance India ambitions with the Olympics in mind before 2040.
In fact, India has already sent a letter of bid intent for the Olympics in 2036, while many in sport think of the CWG event in 2030 as simply a dry-run. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) also recognizes their own developing sustainable “host” programs so their new hosting model will prioritise the use of existing venues and all methods to keep costs for hosting down. In total, this context highlights India’s offer of a legacy Games structure focused on community use and sustainable measures, while promoting the idea that it can reignite interest in the Commonwealth sport.
Conclusion
India’s proposal to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat is much more than just a sporting event. It is, strategically, a platform to demonstrate India’s excellence in infrastructure, organisation, and commitment to the sustainable, legacy-driven development of sport. Because of world-class venues like the Narendra Modi Stadium and the inclusion of new facilities in a planned sports enclave, Gujarat is prepared to host a Games that balances athlete enjoyment and community benefit. The 2030 Games would be a milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to become a leading host of global sports events and give credibility for India hosting the 2036 Olympics. While the infrastructure costs of Games hostings have increased and some traditional bidders may stumble under these costs, India’s focus on sustainability and cost-effective repurposing of venues is in line with the Commonwealths Games Federation’s new hosting process, making Ahmedabad an emerging frontrunner. If successful, the Gujarat Games will not only renew national pride as to the Commonwealth’s centenary, but re-confirm India’s growing presence within international sports diplomacy – sending the strong message that India is the nation ready to welcome the world with its hospitality and sportsmanship.
References
Ø https://www.sportspro.com/news/india-2030-commonwealth-games-hosting-bid-march-2025/
Ø https://khelnow.com/commonwealth-games/2030-commonwealth-games-bid-india-202506