Amdavad Confirmed as Host of 2030 Commonwealth Games: India to Stage Centenary Edition

Amdavad, India, has been formally ratified as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the centenary of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. Delegates from 74 member nations and territories confirmed the decision at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.

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The bid, centred on the Gujarat city of Amdavad (also known as Ahmedabad), was presented as India’s vision for a landmark celebration that honours 100 years of Commonwealth competition while laying foundations for the next century. Moments after the announcement, twenty Garba dancers and thirty Indian dhol drummers performed in the Assembly Hall, highlighting Gujarat’s cultural heritage and symbolising the unity of the Commonwealth.

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Amdavad — recognised as the first UNESCO World Heritage City of the 21st century — will host the Games across a compact footprint designed to reduce travel times for athletes and officials. India announced major infrastructure plans, including new facilities at the Gujarat Police Academy and upgrades to existing venues across the city. Officials emphasised that Amdavad’s modern transport systems, accommodation capacity, and logistical support will ensure an athlete-centred experience rooted in hospitality, community, and respect for guests.

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With 65 per cent of India’s population under the age of 35, organisers stressed that youth energy and talent will play a defining role in delivering a memorable centenary edition. At a formal media briefing, India thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Commonwealth Sport leadership, member nations, the Government of India, and the Government of Gujarat — represented in Glasgow by the state’s Deputy Chief Minister — for their support in bringing the Games to India.

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Commonwealth Sport also confirmed initial details of the sports programme for Amdavad 2030. Between fifteen and seventeen sports will feature, with the final list to be confirmed next year. Compulsory sports include Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball, and Boxing. Further sports under consideration include Archery, Badminton, 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon and Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. Hosts may propose up to two new or traditional sports.

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Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, described the selection of Amdavad as “the start of a new golden era” for the Games. Dr P.T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said the Games would “bring together athletes, communities and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”

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Duncan Scott: “It’s going to be very special in 2030”

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Multiple Commonwealth champion Duncan Scott shared his reflections on Amdavad 2030. Highlighting the city’s welcoming approach and echoing a comment made earlier by the Indian delegate, he said: “Amdavad won’t just host you — it will welcome you. And I think that rings so true about every Commonwealth host city I’ve been to.”

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He added that the centenary edition marks a pivotal moment for the Games: “It’s now going to be centring athletes as the real focus and pivotal point of the Games moving forward. I think it’s a really exciting future.”

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On his personal involvement in 2030, Scott said: “I’m 28 just now — I don’t know what I’m doing tomorrow, never mind in 2030. So I don’t want to commit either way.”

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He praised India’s broader sporting ambition: “It’s really exciting hearing not only that Amdavad wants to host the Commonwealth Games, but the number of other events it’s looking to host — World Aquatics, the Police and Fire Games. That’s exciting from an athlete’s point of view because it’s going to have a legacy for multiple sports.”

 

Scott concluded: “Anything that’s to do with the Commonwealth Games — it’s a real starting point in my career. I’ve got so much respect and love for the Games and the legacy it brings. I’m definitely looking forward to what 2030 could bring.”

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Indian world champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria described hosting the centenary edition as “a proud moment” for the country, saying that Amdavad would offer athletes and fans “a warm and vibrant welcome” and that competing on home soil would be a strong motivator.

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The Commonwealth Games were first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. The most recent edition was staged in Birmingham in 2022, where Australia topped the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand. With Amdavad now confirmed as host of the centenary edition, preparations begin for one of the most symbolically important Games in the Movement’s history.

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