Amdavad Confirmed as Host of the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games

Amdavad, India has officially been confirmed as the host of the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking a landmark moment for both the nation and the global Commonwealth Sport Movement.

The announcement was ratified today at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, where delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories gave their approval to India’s bid. With this decision, the world’s most populous nation is set to stage one of the most significant editions of the Games in its hundred-year history.

India’s presentation showcased a compelling and ambitious vision for the Centenary Games, centred in the Gujarat city of Amdavad (Ahmedabad). The hosts emphasised that their preparations will build on the foundations laid by Glasgow 2026, ensuring a seamless transition between the two editions while giving the Commonwealth an opportunity to celebrate the centenary on Indian soil. For India, the opportunity represents not just an organisational milestone, but a chance to project its growing sporting culture, youth energy, and cultural richness onto a global stage.

The announcement moment itself was marked by a burst of colour and culture. As soon as Amdavad was named host city, the General Assembly Hall transformed into a lively showcase of Gujarati heritage, with 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers performing a surprise cultural display. Delegates were treated to an energetic celebration of traditional Garba the iconic dance form that originated in Gujarat.

The performance featured not only members of Glasgow’s Indian community but also performers from other Commonwealth regions, symbolising the unity, diversity and shared heritage that define the Commonwealth movement. The vibrant display also served as a preview of the cultural depth that Athletes and spectators can expect when they arrive in Gujarat in 2030.

The Commonwealth Games carry a legacy spanning nearly a century. The inaugural edition took place in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and since then the Games have grown into one of the world’s most important multi-sport events. At the most recent Games in Birmingham in 2022, Australia topped the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India and New Zealand an illustration of the broad balance of sporting excellence across the Commonwealth.

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, described the announcement as the beginning of a “new golden era” for the movement. “After a ‘Games reset’, we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition,” he said. According to Dr Rukare, India brings scale, youthfulness, ambition and rich cultural depth, alongside enormous sporting passion, making it an ideal host nation. He added that interest from various nations for the 2034 Games and beyond points to a healthy future for the multi-sport event.

From the Indian side, Dr PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in India by Commonwealth Sport. She said that the Amdavad Games will not only commemorate a century of the Commonwealth Movement but also create a framework for the decades ahead.

Sports Programme Taking Shape

Alongside confirming the 2030 host, Commonwealth Sport announced that Amdavad 2030 will feature 15 to 17 sports. The Organising Committee will work closely with Commonwealth Sport and international federations to finalise a dynamic programme that resonates locally while maintaining strong global interest. The framework will be guided by the recently completed Sport Programme Review, which identifies the sports that will form the core of the Commonwealth Games.

The core sports include Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball and Boxing. These disciplines, which have long been central to the Games, will continue to form the foundation of competition in 2030.

The process to finalise additional sports will begin next month, with the complete programme expected to be announced next year. Sports under consideration for inclusion are Archery, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon and Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. Hosts also have the option of proposing up to two new or traditional sports, allowing Amdavad the flexibility to showcase sporting activities that hold cultural or regional significance.