India has been officially selected to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games after beating Nigeria’s Abuja bid, marking the country’s second time hosting the prestigious multi-sport event.
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board confirmed the decision on Wednesday, recommending Ahmedabad as the host city for the centenary edition of the Games.
According to the Board, the selection followed a detailed evaluation of infrastructure, technical readiness, athlete experience, and compliance with Commonwealth values. The recommendation will now be forwarded to the full Commonwealth Sport membership for ratification at its General Assembly scheduled for November 26, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Reacting to the development, the Commonwealth Sport Organization described India’s proposal as “strong, inclusive, and visionary,” noting that the Games will symbolize the event’s 100-year anniversary since its inception in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. It added that the event will “inspire a new generation of Commonwealth athletes and fans.”
Nigeria, which had made a strong case for hosting the 2030 Games in Abuja, expressed disappointment over the decision but commended the Commonwealth Board for conducting a transparent evaluation process. Nigerian sports officials have reportedly pledged to pursue another hosting opportunity for the 2034 edition.
This will be India’s second time hosting the Commonwealth Games, the first being in New Delhi in 2010. Sports analysts believe the successful 2030 hosting could strengthen India’s ambition to secure the rights to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The Indian government welcomed the decision, describing it as “a moment of pride for all Indians.” Sports Minister Anurag Thakur stated, “Hosting the centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will not only promote global sporting unity but also highlight India’s growing capacity to organize world-class sporting events.”
