The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) says it has started
preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat following the conclusion
of the 2026 tournament in Glasgow.
The Commonwealth Games Flag was ceremonially handed to officials
from Amdavad in Glasgow on 2 August as the 2026 games came to an end.
It will be the first time the sporting tournament will be
held in Gujarat and the first time in 20 years that the Games will be held in India.
Work is currently underway to improve infrastructure in the western
Indian state in time for the centenary edition of the multi-sport event, which brings
together 74 member nations and territories.
Amdavad venues expected to host athletes and ceremonies include
the Narendra Modi Stadium and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. A
new 50,000 capacity stadium is also planned for Karai.
Visitors, athletes and officials at the Glasgow Games were able
to see India’s vision for Amdavad 2030 at the Amdavad Experience Centre, open
throughout the tournament.
At the same time, a 14-member Indian observer delegation,
led by Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh
Mandaviya and Gujarat's Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi,
worked closely with organisers to gain operational insights that will help
shape the planning and delivery of the centenary Commonwealth Games.
IOA president, Dr PT Usha, said India was ready to welcome the
‘Commonwealth family’.
“Hosting the centenary Commonwealth Games is an
extraordinary honour and responsibility. We are committed to delivering
athlete-centred Games in Amdavad that celebrate sporting excellence, showcase
India's rich heritage and hospitality, inspire future generations, and leave a
lasting legacy for both India and the Commonwealth movement."
Glasgow stepped in as the location for this year’s games
after Victoria in Australia withdrew as host due to spiralling costs, with
venues including the Scottish Event Campus, the Scotstoun Stadium and Glasgow
International Arena, hosting 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of the Games, Glasgow
2026 CEO Phil Batty said the Games had welcomed 434,000 ticketed spectators
across the 11 days of competition.
