India's bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games gains momentum as Canada faces setback

Should India get the hosting rights, Ahmedabad is the frontrunner to hold the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

India’s chances of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games have received a massive boost after Canadian province of Ontario pulled out from joining the North American country’s bid to host the event.

Ontario, which hosted the first-ever British Empire Games—later rechristened as Commonwealth Games— in 1930, was part of a joint-bid from four Canadian provinces to host the Centenary edition of the Games. However, reports in Canadian media have suggested that the government have decided not to pursue the bid citing skyrocketing costs and limited long-term benefit.

While that decision severely handicaps Canada’s bid, prospect of India hosting the multi-sport event for the first time in a decade-and-half has further strengthened.

Apart from India and Canada, Nigeria has also submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI), according to a statement by the organisers in April. However, Nigeria’s interest hasn’t progressed into a formal proposal and with Canada’s united bid now taking a hit, India has a clear pathway. Should India get the hosting rights, Ahmedabad is the frontrunner to hold the competition with some events likely to take place in other cities.

According to a report in the Indian Express, officials from the Commonwealth Sport Body will be visiting Ahmedabad before the August 31st deadline. The report further adds that a Gujarat-based delegation recently presented the proposal to CGF officials in London, emphasizing cost-efficiency, infrastructure readiness, and post-Games legacy.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is expected to serve as the main hub, hosting disciplines like aquatics, boxing, gymnastics, cricket, and kabaddi. Other venues such as the Naranpura Sports Complex and the upcoming Karai stadium will support sports like judo, athletics, and shooting.

The CGF has introduced a new bidding framework this year, focused on sustainability, collaboration, and responsible investment. India’s proposal aligns with this approach by minimizing construction waste and leveraging existing assets.

All formal bids are due by August 31, 2025. The CGF will make its final decision at its General Assembly in November 2025, to be held in Glasgow.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram