IOA approves India's bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially approved a bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030, aiming to bring the multi-sport spectacle back to the country after a long gap.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, August 30, after the conclusion of a special general meeting held in New Delhi.

“I am happy that all are together, and it was a unanimous decision, and our preparations will go ahead. We cannot tell if Ahmedabad is the host city or not. We have good facilities in Bhubaneswar and even in Delhi,” IOA President PT Usha said after the meeting.

While Nigeria and a few other countries have expressed interest in bidding for the 2030 Games, Canada, once seen as a strong contender, withdrew its bid in June 2025.

The IOA proposal has put forward Ahmedabad as the primary host city, where around 10 stadiums are planned to be built to host the Olympics 2036.

🚨IOA formally approves India's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games,with Ahmedabad as host city. pic.twitter.com/CUH3DTjw4R

— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) August 13, 2025

In its broader effort to host the Olympics for the first time, India is already investing significantly in sports infrastructure, which could also strengthen their bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced the construction of ten new stadiums at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, located next to the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.

The country has also taken steps to reform and modernize sports governance. On Tuesday, Parliament passed both the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 and the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, aiming to enhance transparency, provide financial support, and align Indian sports administration with global standards.

Amit Shah also revealed that around 3,000 sportspersons will be provided a monthly stipend of Rs 50,000 each to prepare for one of the top medal hauls at the upcoming major Games.

Also Read: Good or Bad? Players, politicians, fans debate on National Sports Governance Bill after Parliament clears it

IOA officials have confirmed that they will strive to make the 2030 edition a full-fledged affair should India win the bid. Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey has also advocated for the inclusion of indigenous sports such as kho kho and kabaddi at the Commonwealth Games 2030.

Recently, a team of officials led by Commonwealth Games Director Darren Hall visited Ahmedabad to inspect the proposed sites and meet representatives of the Gujarat government.

A large delegation is also expected to come later this month. However, the decision on who will host the 2030 CWG will only be made in November during the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in Glasgow.

The last time India hosted the Commonwealth Games was in 2010, when the nation finished second on the medals table with a record 101 medals, including 38 golds — its best-ever performance at the event.

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