Ahmedabad Set To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games Amid Struggles For Global Interest

Ahmedabad has been recommended as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games by the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport, following its meeting on October 15, 2025. The final decision will be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, but as noted in an official press release, this is widely expected to be a formality. Both Ahmedabad—also in contention to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games—and Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, had submitted proposals to host the 2030 edition. After reviewing the bids, the board selected Ahmedabad as the “proposed host city.”“Amdavad will now be put forward to the full Commonwealth Sport membership” for formal approval in Glasgow, the governing body said in a statement. If confirmed, this will mark India’s second time hosting the Commonwealth Games, the first being in New Delhi in 2010.A Two-Horse Race Highlights Waning InterestThe race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games saw only two contenders—Ahmedabad and Nigeria’s capital, Abuja—underscoring the event’s ongoing struggle to attract enthusiastic hosts. The Games have faced uncertainty in recent years. The 2022 edition was initially awarded to Durban, South Africa, but financial difficulties led to the city’s withdrawal. Birmingham eventually stepped in to host the event on short notice.A Troubled Decade For The Commonwealth GamesThe Commonwealth Sport Executive Board’s recommendation of Ahmedabad not only puts India in prime position to stage the centenary edition, but also offers a measure of stability for a Games that has faced repeated setbacks in recent years. The Commonwealth Games have been plagued by uncertainty. Durban was originally selected to host the 2022 edition, but financial difficulties led to its withdrawal, with Birmingham stepping in at the eleventh hour. A similar story unfolded with the 2026 Games: Victoria, Australia pulled out due to rising costs, prompting Glasgow—host of the 2014 edition—to come to the rescue. That edition, however, will be significantly scaled down, featuring just 10 sports in a bid to control expenses.Ahmedabad is also in the running to host the 2036 Olympics, with the 2030 Commonwealth Games serving as a potential springboard. A Host City CrisisThe Commonwealth Games are facing a deepening crisis, driven by hosting costs, waning global relevance, and the exclusion of popular sports. These factors have led top-performing nations to question the value of participating, causing a sharp decline in interest. The 2026 edition, originally set for Victoria, Australia, collapsed after cost projections ballooned from $2.2 billion to $7 billion. Malaysia, offered the chance to step in, declined due to financial and logistical concerns.With few takers, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has resorted to offering subsidies. However, the core problem—unsustainable costs—continues to threaten the long-term future of the Games.FAQsWhy was Ahmedabad chosen for the 2030 Commonwealth Games?Ahmedabad was picked over Abuja for its strong infrastructure and India’s plan to boost its global sports profile.Why are fewer cities hosting the Commonwealth Games?Rising costs, waning global interest, and exclusion of popular sports have made hosting less attractive, causing several cities to withdraw.How does the 2030 Commonwealth Games help India’s Olympic ambitions?India aims to use the 2030 Games to prove its ability to host major events ahead of a 2036 Olympic bid.Who are India’s rivals for the 2036 Olympics?Doha is said to be India’s main competitor and will host the 2030 Asian Games to showcase its readiness.A Heritage Walk In Ahmedabad Brings You Closer To The 600-Year-Old Walled City's History