India has officially secured the hosting rights for the 2029 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG), a prestigious international sporting event that will see participation from over 10,000 athletes representing police, fire, customs, and correctional services from more than 70 countries. The games will be held across three cities in Gujarat—Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar (Kevadia).
With this, India becomes the first South Asian nation to host the WPFG since its inception in 1985, joining the ranks of previous host countries such as Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, China, and the United States.
The announcement came after India’s final bid presentation to the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), the governing body of the WPFG, last Sunday in Birmingham, USA.
Leaders Celebrate the Milestone
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the development as a proud moment for the nation. “It is a moment of great pride for every citizen, as Bharat has been designated as the host country for the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games,” he posted on X. He added that the successful bid highlights the global recognition of India’s expanding sports infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also took to X, stating, “India has won the bid to host the 2029 WPFG in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar & Ekta Nagar. This global victory reflects the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and is a big step towards making Ahmedabad the sporting capital of India.”
Gujarat’s Minister of State for Sports, Harsh Sanghavi, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Gujarat is ready to make its mark on the world sports map! Let’s get ready to host the world!”
Growing Sports Ambitions
India’s successful WPFG bid also comes at a time when the country is aiming higher in the global sports arena. India is actively bidding to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad being proposed as the central host city.
The 2029 WPFG is expected to not only boost India’s sports profile but also bring global attention to Gujarat’s capability to host large-scale international events, further solidifying its role in the global sporting ecosystem.