Ahmedabad, India, November 27, 2025 – India hosts 2030 Commonwealth Games after Commonwealth Sport delegates unanimously ratified the Gujarat city over Nigeria’s Abuja on Wednesday. The centenary edition, slated for October 2030, features a streamlined format with 15-17 sports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the win as a testament to national spirit.
This development elevates India’s role in international sports. It aligns with South Asia’s push for youth empowerment through athletics. The event could inspire cross-border collaborations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond. Enhanced infrastructure promises lasting benefits for regional connectivity and economic ties.
Ahmedabad CWG 2030 Preparations Accelerate
Organisers in Ahmedabad CWG 2030 preparations focus on leveraging existing assets. The Narendra Modi Stadium, with 132,000 capacity, hosts opening and closing ceremonies. Free transport serves all ticket holders within a 30-45 minute radius.
Gujarat officials target completion by early 2029. Principal Secretary Ashwini Kumar stated preparations stand “on track” for infrastructure upgrades. Venues cluster efficiently to cut costs. Sustainability drives the plan, including green energy and waste reduction.
The bid emphasises inclusivity. Para-sports integrate fully. Ahmedabad proposes two additional disciplines, pending approval. Discussions start in December to finalise the programme. Dr PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said India would deliver a “strong, inclusive, future-ready Commonwealth Games”. She highlighted advances in sustainability and athlete experience.
This marks India’s return after Delhi 2010. That edition drew 71 nations and 4,350 athletes. Ahmedabad aims to exceed participation while trimming expenses.
PM Modi Congratulates Ahmedabad CWG Win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the nation on the victory. In a post on X, he wrote: “Delighted that India has won the bid to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030! Congratulations to the people of India and the sporting ecosystem.”
He added: “It is our collective commitment and spirit of sportsmanship that has placed India firmly on the global sporting map. With the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we are eager to be celebrating these historic games with great enthusiasm. We look forward to welcoming the world!”
The Press Information Bureau echoed the message. It quoted Modi: “This is a testament to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision.” The release tied the event to India’s goal of developed nation status by 2047, marking independence centenary. Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya declared: “India has arrived.” He noted Ahmedabad’s selection underscores the country’s growing prowess in global events.
Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, praised the choice. He called it “the start of a new golden era”. Rukare said India brings “scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance”. Nigeria’s Abuja competed strongly. Yet evaluators favoured Ahmedabad for readiness and legacy potential.
India CWG 2030 Economic Impact Boosts Region
India CWG 2030 economic impact spans jobs, tourism, and infrastructure. Government estimates project INR 50,000 crore in direct investments, drawing from 2010 precedents. That Games generated INR 70,000 crore overall, despite cost overruns from initial INR 1,600 crore. New projections highlight balanced funding. Central government covers 40-50 per cent. Gujarat contributes 30-35 per cent. Private partnerships fill the rest. Sectors like construction, hospitality, and logistics stand to gain thousands of jobs.
Tourism surges expected. Visitors fill hotels and venues, injecting funds into local economies. South Asia benefits indirectly through trade links. Enhanced airports and roads aid regional travel. Sustainability cuts long-term costs. Fewer sports reduce athlete numbers to under 3,000 from past highs. Venues repurpose for community use post-event.
Experts note ripple effects. A $4 trillion economy absorbs the spend efficiently. Billions flow into allied industries. Gujarat’s ports and transport upgrade, per Kumar, support broader growth. Past hosts saw GDP lifts of 1-2 per cent. India CWG 2030 economic impact could mirror this, fostering skills in event management.
Background: India’s Sporting Legacy
India first hosted in 1951 at New Delhi. The 2010 edition showcased resilience amid challenges. Over 6,000 athletes competed across 17 sports. Commonwealth Sport reformed post-2026 Glasgow. The “Games reset” prioritises affordability. Ahmedabad fits this model perfectly. The centenary coincides with Commonwealth’s 100th year. It unites 72 nations, 2.5 billion people.
What’s Next for India Hosts 2030 Commonwealth Games
Delegates finalise sports soon. Bidding opens for 2034. India eyes 2036 Olympics as next step. Preparations ramp up. Legacy planning ensures benefits endure. India hosts 2030 Commonwealth Games, cementing its stature as a sporting powerhouse ready to unite the Commonwealth.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 27th, 2025
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