Ahmedabad has become a leading contender to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Wednesday officially approved India’s bid for the event.
The final host city—Ahmedabad, New Delhi, or Bhubaneswar—will be decided before August 31, when India submits its formal proposal. The move is seen as part of India’s larger sporting ambitions, with the 2030 CWG likely to act as a stepping stone toward bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games, which the government hopes to bring to Ahmedabad. Hosting the CWG would give both the city and the country valuable experience in managing an Olympic-scale event.
At its Special General Meeting, the IOA unanimously supported the 2030 bid, promising an “inclusive” Games with all medal events. IOA president P. T. Usha said the host city decision is still pending, but confirmed that, unlike the scaled-back 2026 Glasgow Games, India’s 2030 edition will be a full-scale event like Delhi 2010.
With Canada out of the race, India’s chances have improved. IOA officials plan to include sports India excels in—such as shooting, archery, and wrestling—along with indigenous games like kabaddi, kho kho, and yoga. A Commonwealth Sport delegation recently inspected Ahmedabad’s venues and expressed satisfaction with its readiness; a larger delegation will visit soon.
The final host city will be announced at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow in late November. India last hosted the CWG in 2010 in Delhi.
The IOA meeting also approved its 2023–24 accounts, appointed a new auditor for 2024–25, and settled a salary dispute with CEO Raghuram Iyer, fixing his pay at ₹13 lakh per month.