Canada’s 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid Wobbles: What It Means For India - Explained

Remember Shera? The grinning tiger mascot from the 2010 Commonwealth Games who popped up in every corner of Delhi? Well, 20 years later, India might be ready for an encore. The centennial edition of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is up for grabs, and guess who's suddenly leading the race? Yep, India.

According to a report by The Indian Express, one of India’s key rivals in the race, the Canadian province of Ontario, has officially withdrawn from the bidding process, citing financial concerns. The decision has dealt a major blow to the ambitious ‘United Canada’ bid, which had planned a joint hosting effort across four provinces.

With Ontario stepping aside, Canada’s campaign appears significantly weakened, further clearing the path for India to take the lead.

Earlier, IOA chief PT Usha, along with officials from the Union sports ministry and Gujarat government, met Commonwealth Sport officials in London on June 7 to understand the process of securing Ahmedabad’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Following the meetings in London, Ahmedabad has emerged as the frontrunner to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with India making strong progress in the bidding race.

The city is also being viewed as a potential testbed for India’s larger ambitions, serving as a precursor to the country’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, which India hopes to host for the very first time.

Alongside India and Canada, Nigeria had also thrown its hat into the ring to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Abuja as the proposed host city. Commonwealth Sport confirmed the trio of interested nations in a statement back in April, adding that two other countries had also expressed interest, though their names were kept under wraps.

According to a report by The Indian Express, following the recent discussions in London, Commonwealth Sport officials are expected to visit Ahmedabad in August, just ahead of the August 31 deadline for official bid submissions. If confirmed, this would mark their second visit to the city, the first having taken place in late January.

Ahmedabad Lines Up Major Events In Push For 2030 Commonwealth Games

This August, Ahmedabad is set to host the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, followed by the Asian Swimming Championships in October.

Adding to the state’s growing sporting calendar, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Thursday that India has won the bid to host the 2029 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG), which will also be held in Gujarat.

The dwindling interest from other potential hosts for the 2030 Commonwealth Games could work in India’s favour.

The Commonwealth Sport Federation has struggled to secure long-term hosts, Durban pulled out of the 2022 Games over financial issues, and Victoria withdrew from the 2026 edition.

Glasgow stepped in to rescue 2026 but will host a trimmed-down, 10-sport version with limited athlete participation to reduce costs.

According to reports, India is not only eyeing the 2030 CWG but is also keen, earlier expressing interest, to host the 10 disciplines dropped from the 2026 program.

This includes sports like badminton, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis, and wrestling, all of which delivered medals for India in 2022. Archery and shooting, previously dropped in 2022, remain excluded as well.

India also submitted a letter of intent to host the 2036 Olympics, and this proactive push reflects its broader ambition: to safeguard its medal prospects, support sidelined sports, and play a central role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth Games.