India's ambition to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games faces a significant challenge from Nigeria, as both nations have officially submitted their bids to host the centenary edition of the prestigious multi-sport event. The deadline for submitting the proposals was August 31, 2025.

India has designated Ahmedabad as its host city, aiming to bring the Games back to the country after a 20-year hiatus. The formal bid was presented to Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare by representatives from the Commonwealth Games Association of India and the Government of Gujarat. Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized India's commitment to delivering a sustainable and inclusive Games, rooted in the principles of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is divine). The Indian government has already approved the Host Collaboration Agreement and provided necessary guarantees. Hosting the Commonwealth Games aligns with India's broader goal of becoming a leading sporting nation and potentially hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Nigeria is also vying for the opportunity to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Abuja as the proposed host city. Commonwealth Sport confirmed Nigeria's formal submission. Nigeria's delegation has also engaged with the CGF, discussing the nation's goals, candidate city rules, and the timeline for the process. This marks Abuja's second attempt to host the Games, having previously lost to Glasgow in the bid for the 2014 edition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his support for the project. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is expecting the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) to submit its documents and government guarantees of its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games on or before November.

Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare acknowledged the significance of the bids from both India and Nigeria, recognizing their potential to create lasting legacies and promote a sustainable Games model. He praised both nations for their dynamic approach and the alignment of the Games with their national ambitions.

An Evaluation Commission, appointed by the CS Executive Board, will assess both proposals, including in-person presentations by the candidate hosts in London in late September. The commission includes Sandra Osborne (chair), Helen Phillips, Brendan Williams, Ian Reid, Andrew Ryan, and Darren Hall. The Evaluation Commission will submit its findings to the CS Executive Board, which will then recommend a host to the 74 member nations for approval at the General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland, in late November.

The outcome of this competition will determine which nation will host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030.