New Delhi: India has taken a decisive step toward hosting one of the world’s biggest multi-sporting events as the Union Cabinet approved the country’s bid to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The move signals New Delhi’s ambition to cement India’s standing on the global sports stage while also inspiring a new wave of athletic development at home.
According to the government statement, the Cabinet has authorized the formal bid submission and signed off on the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA). Importantly, the Centre has also agreed to provide sovereign guarantees and extend financial support to the Gujarat state government, ensuring Ahmedabad selected as the host city has the backing needed to deliver the event.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, widely known as the Narendra Modi Stadium, will serve as the crown jewel of the Games. With a capacity of over 132,000, it is the largest cricket stadium in the world and is being positioned as the central venue for athletics and ceremonies. The city is also set to upgrade infrastructure, including transport and accommodation, to meet international standards for the Games.
The 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games remain etched in public memory for controversies surrounding corruption, poor preparations, and cost overruns. This time, officials are keen to showcase a “new India” capable of delivering a world-class, transparent, and efficient mega sporting event. Hosting in Ahmedabad is also seen as a deliberate attempt to decentralize major sports events away from the capital and project Gujarat as a global sporting hub.
Beyond prestige, the government views the 2030 Games as a catalyst for nurturing athletic talent. Officials believe the event will encourage wider participation in sports at grassroots levels, inspire young athletes, and create new career pathways in sports management, coaching, and infrastructure.
India’s Commonwealth Games bid is not just about 2030. It is part of a longer-term roadmap to win the right to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. With the Narendra Modi Stadium already under global spotlight and the government’s “sports superpower” vision, the Commonwealth Games are seen as a critical rehearsal for staging the biggest sporting spectacle in the world.
The final decision will rest with the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly, which is expected to meet in November in Glasgow. If the bid is successful, India will host the Commonwealth Games for the second time in its history 15 years after Delhi 2010 this time with the promise of a new era of efficiency, pride, and sporting excellence.