India to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
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General Studies Paper II: International Institutions, Sports & Affairs |
Why in News?
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board in 2025 recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games. This historic decision highlights India’s growing sporting strength and global reputation.
Recommendation of Ahmedabad as the 2030 Host City
- In 2025, the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board officially recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat as the proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games. The recommendation marked a major milestone in India’s sporting journey.
- Ahmedabad was selected after a thorough comparison with Abuja, Nigeria, which was the other major candidate.
- The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) reviewed all submitted proposals with strict criteria. These included athlete experience, technical readiness, sports infrastructure, and governance standards.
- While the Executive Board recommended Ahmedabad, the final approval rests with the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly. This assembly will convene in Glasgow on November 26, 2025. During the meeting, all full members of the Commonwealth Sport will vote based on detailed evaluation reports.
Know About the Commonwealth Games
- Introduction: The Commonwealth Games is a major international multi-sport event held every four years. It brings together athletes from countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Games aim to promote sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and unity among member nations. They are considered one of the largest sporting events in the world after the Olympics. The Games feature both men’s and women’s competitions. The Games usually span 10 to 12 days, with a formal opening and closing ceremony.
- History: The first edition of the Games was held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada and was originally called the British Empire Games. The Games aimed to strengthen bonds among countries under British rule. In 1954, the name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Later, in 1978, the event was renamed the Commonwealth Games to represent modern Commonwealth nations.
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- Organisation: The Games are organized by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which oversees all operational, administrative, and technical aspects. The CGF was established in 1932, headquartered and incorporated in the UK. It functions as the governing body of the Commonwealth Games. It sets policies, ensures fair play, and coordinates with host cities.
- Sports: The Games include a wide range of sports, both Olympic and non-Olympic. Core sports such as athletics, swimming, and cycling are mandatory for every edition. Popular sports: Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Diving, Gymnastics, Hockey, Shooting, Squash, etc.
- Participation: There are 56 member states in the Commonwealth of Nations, 72 teams compete in the Commonwealth Games because some territories, like England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, compete separately. India is among the top-performing nations in recent editions.
India’s Journey in the Commonwealth Games
- India first participated in the Commonwealth Games in 1934, which were held in London, United Kingdom. At that time, India sent a small contingent of athletes who competed mainly in athletics and wrestling.
- India won its first-ever Commonwealth Games medal at the 1934 British Empire Games in London. The bronze medal was won by wrestler Rashid Anwar in the men’s 74kg freestyle event.
- From the 1980s onward, India began to consistently win medals in multiple sports. The 1990 Auckland Games and the 1994 Victoria Games saw India excelling in shooting and weightlifting.
- India won its first gold medals at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales. The historic gold was won by Milkha Singh in the 440 yards athletics event, and Lila Ram also won gold in wrestling.
- By the 2002 Manchester Games, India secured a record 69 medals, including 30 golds, signaling its rise as a major competitor.
- India’s women athletes have gradually become a strong force in the Commonwealth Games. P.T. Usha (Golden Girl), Mary Kom (Magnificent Mary: Gold Medalist), Saina Nehwal (Gold Medalist), and Mirabai Chanu (Gold & Silver Medalist) are examples of athletes who won multiple medals and inspired the next generation.
- India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, which was a significant event for the country. India won a total of 101 medals, including 38 golds in this event.
- In the 2018 Gold Coast Games, India achieved its highest medal tally in decades, securing 66 medals, including 26 golds. The country performed exceptionally in shooting, wrestling, badminton, and boxing.
Significance of this for India
- Ahmedabad’s recommendation for hosting the Games will showcase India’s capability to organize large-scale global sporting events with advanced infrastructure. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Narendra Modi Stadium strengthen India’s image as a reliable host for future world-class sporting events.
- Hosting the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games will enhance India’s international reputation in sports. It will demonstrate the country’s ability to manage logistics, athlete services, and media coverage at a global level.
- The bid reflects India’s long-term goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Organizing a centenary event it acts as a catalyst for urban modernization and sustainable development in Ahmedabad.
- The Games are expected to generate substantial economic growth through tourism, hospitality, and related industries. Large-scale infrastructure projects will create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs in construction, event management, and services.
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