India has got official approval from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to bid for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The decision was taken in a meeting held in New Delhi where all members agreed to support the bid.
This is an important step for India in its plan to host big international sporting events in the future.
Ahmedabad has been suggested as the main city to host the Games. However, Bhubaneswar and New Delhi are also possible options. India had already sent an initial proposal to host the Games. India must submit its full and final bid by August 31, 2025, to remain in contention for hosting the Games.
With Canada no longer in the running, India’s chances of being selected to host the Games have improved. Recently, a team from Commonwealth Sport visited Ahmedabad. They checked the stadiums and facilities and also met with Gujarat government officials. A bigger group of officials is likely to come later this month to carry out further checks.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games are planned to feature all the usual main sports, along with extra events chosen by the host nation. India aims to add sports where its athletes perform well, such as shooting, archery, and wrestling. The Games will also have traditional Indian sports such as kabaddi and kho kho to make them more inclusive.
According to IOA officials, the government will pay for the entire cost of hosting the Games. They see this as an important chance for India to show it can hold large international events successfully. This will also help in building India’s reputation as a sports hub and support future plans, like bidding for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
The Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow will reveal the host nation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in November 2025. If India wins the bid, it will be the second time the country hosts the Games, after New Delhi in 2010.