India's pursuit of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG) has received a significant boost with the Union Cabinet's approval of the official bid submission. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet's decision underscores the nation's commitment to strengthening its position as a global sporting hub. Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been proposed as the host city, citing its world-class infrastructure and experience in hosting major international events.
The decision includes signing the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA) and committing financial aid contingent on winning the bid. The Games are expected to attract athletes and officials from 72 Commonwealth nations, providing a fillip to the economy, tourism, and the country's sports culture. The Union Cabinet formally accepted India's bid to host the 2030 CWG on August 13. India has until August 31 to submit its final bid.
Ahmedabad has been selected as the proposed host city due to its existing infrastructure and experience in hosting large-scale global sporting events. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Motera, anchored by the Narendra Modi Stadium, which is the world's largest cricket stadium, will be central to the Games. The sports enclave includes plans for 10 new stadiums designed for various sports, an aquatics center, indoor arenas, an athletes' village, and hotels. Infrastructure upgrades are planned to improve connectivity and accessibility, including projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, airport expansion, and extensions to the metro and bus rapid transit systems.
The Indian government views the 2030 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to move past the corruption and mismanagement that plagued the 2010 Games held in New Delhi. Hosting the 2030 CWG in India is projected to have a lasting impact, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and inspiring millions of young athletes. The government anticipates opportunities for professionals in sports science, event operations and management, logistics and transportation, broadcasting and media, IT and communications, and public relations.
India's sports minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, has stated that the country has made significant strides toward becoming a "sports superpower". The Commonwealth Games bid is also linked to India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad.
While India is considered a strong contender, it faces competition from other nations, including Nigeria, who have also expressed interest in hosting the Games. The decision regarding the 2030 host is expected to be made in November. If India's bid is successful, the government intends to include tag-type sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, with the aim of promoting their inclusion in the Olympics.
