Ahmedabad will take a major step towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games on Sunday as the Commonwealth Games baton and flag are officially handed over during the closing ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The ceremonial handover will formally mark Ahmedabad as the next host city, kicking off preparations for India’s first Commonwealth Games in nearly two decades.
Indian Delegation Studying Glasgow Games
A 14-member Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, is in Glasgow to study how a major international sporting event is organised.
Each member has been assigned a key area, including venue management, transport, accreditation, athlete accommodation, catering, sports facilities and event operations. Their observations will be compiled into a strategic roadmap to help plan and deliver the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking in Glasgow, Sanghavi said the visit would help the team understand the operational and technical aspects of hosting a world-class sporting event.
‘Ahmedabad Experience Centre’ to Be Unveiled
As part of the handover ceremony, organisers will launch an ‘Ahmedabad Experience Centre’ in Glasgow to showcase the city’s culture, heritage, modern infrastructure and preparations for the 2030 Games.
The exhibition will highlight Ahmedabad’s traditions, cuisine and urban development while also serving as a networking platform for athletes, delegates and international sports officials.
Cultural Performances to Mark Baton Handover
The handover ceremony will feature a three-act cultural programme celebrating India’s heritage and its connection with the Commonwealth.
The opening act will commemorate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, led by actress and Miss World Manushi Chhillar, accompanied by a vibrant dance performance.
The second act will feature a musical collaboration between renowned Indian sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish musician Ross Ainslie. Music composer Shankar Mahadevan, along with his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, will perform some of India’s iconic songs, while Gujarati singer Bhoomi Trivedi will also take the stage with a special performance.