AMDAVAD:India has secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, with Amdavad (Ahmedabad) in Gujarat State emerging as the recommended host city ahead of Nigeria’s Abuja, after a tightly contested bidding process that showcased both nations’ ambition to redefine the future of Commonwealth sport.
The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport made the announcement on Wednesday, describing the decision as a landmark moment in the 100-year history of the Games, which began in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
The recommendation will now be presented for ratification at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025.
Both India and Nigeria presented inspiring proposals that captured the scale of opportunity within our Commonwealth family,
said Dr. Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport.
“After careful consideration, the Board is recommending Amdavad as host for the Centenary Games a decision that marks a significant milestone as we look to the next century of Commonwealth sport.
Located in western India, Amdavad becomes the first Indian city to host the Commonwealth Games in over two decades, following New Delhi’s successful staging of the 2010 edition.
India’s bid focused heavily on innovation, sustainability, and youth inclusion key pillars that align with the country’s long-term national vision, Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to position India as a global sporting and economic powerhouse by its centenary of independence.
President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, Dr. P. T. Usha, described the victory as an extraordinary honour for the nation and its athletes.
The Games will not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event management capacity but also contribute to our national journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047,
Usha said. We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships, and celebrate unity across the Commonwealth.
While India clinched the recommendation, Nigeria’s Abuja 2030 bid was widely praised by Commonwealth Sport officials for its ambition, inclusivity, and emphasis on pan-African unity.
Dr. Rukare confirmed that the Commonwealth Board had begun discussions with Nigeria on the possibility of hosting the 2034 edition, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to bringing the Games to Africa for the first time in history.
The Board was deeply impressed by the vision and ambition of Nigeria’s proposal,” Rukare noted.
We are committed to continuing our collaboration with Nigeria to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Shehu Dikko, said that though the country was disappointed not to be chosen, the process had strengthened national consensus on using sports as a tool for development, unity, and diplomacy.
While we are, of course, disappointed not to have been recommended for 2030, our proposal reflected Nigeria’s determination to use sport as a driver of economic growth and national cohesion, Dikko said.
We are proud of what we achieved and will continue our preparation to host future international events, including the 2027 Africa Youth Games and the 2031 Africa Games.
