India submits 2030 Commonwealth games bid

India has formally submitted its proposal to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, aiming to bring the prestigious multi-sport event back to the country after 20 years.

The bid designates Ahmedabad as the host city for the centenary edition of the Games, celebrating 100 years of the Commonwealth sporting tradition.

As reported by Reuters on Saturday, the formal submission was made to the President of Commonwealth Sport, Dr. Donald Rukare, by a delegation representing the Commonwealth Games Association of India and the Government of Gujarat in London.

Speaking after the submission, Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the bid reflects India’s commitment to delivering a Games that is “sustainable and inclusive.”

He added that submitting the proposal on National Sports Day underscores the nation’s sporting heritage while defining a vision for future generations.

“Our approach is guided by the ancient principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the world is one family – and by ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ which means ‘the guest is divine,’” Sanghavi explained, emphasising the inclusive and welcoming nature of India’s hosting plans.

Highlighting the significance of the milestone, Indian Olympic Association Executive Council member Harpal Singh, in a call from London reported by Reuters, said,  “This is not just a bid to stage a sporting event, it is our commitment to the Commonwealth family to deliver Games that are athlete-centred, inclusive, sustainable, and future-facing.”

He added, “Our vision is to use this milestone not only to honour the past but to set the stage for the future, ensuring the Games remain relevant, impactful and viable for the next century.”

Singh also described the submission as a “proud moment” for India, bringing the nation closer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-term goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

“Successfully hosting the Commonwealth Games will demonstrate our nation’s capability, strengthen our international credibility and lay the foundation for the Olympic journey ahead,” he said.

Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, highlighted the government’s efforts to develop world-class sports infrastructure and nurture young talent, including partnerships with the private sector, to build future champions.

The federal government has already approved signing the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA) and provided the necessary guarantees from relevant ministries, further cementing India’s ambition to position itself as a leading sporting nation.