'Ahmedabad Ideal Host With World-Class Stadiums': Cabinet Approves India's 2030 CWG Bid

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 19:04 IST

The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, highlighting its world-class sports infrastructure.

The Indian flag projected onto a giant balloon during the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi [Reuters Photo]

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad named as the “ideal" venue due to its “world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture."

This decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) approval of the proposal after an ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted in March.

A Press Information Bureau release stated, “The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for submission of bid for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030."

The release further added that the cabinet approved the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA), along with the required guarantees from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Authorities, and sanctioned the necessary grant-in-aid to the Gujarat Government, should the bid be accepted.

The deadline to submit the bid is August 31, and the IOA is expected to complete the formalities within the next 48 hours. India last hosted the CWG in 2010.

The General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport will decide the host country in the last week of November in Glasgow. India’s chances of securing the event have improved since Canada withdrew due to budgetary constraints.

According to the PIB statement, Ahmedabad is considered the ideal host city for the Games. “Ahmedabad offers world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture. Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest stadium in the world, successfully hosted the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final," it noted.

India is also aiming to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad again being a frontrunner. The city’s sporting infrastructure is being upgraded with this ambition, and it is currently hosting the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is one of the prime venues under construction. In addition to the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, it will feature an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and arenas for indoor sports.

A full-scale budget for the 2030 edition has yet to be worked out. A Sports Ministry source told PTI, “The cost factor will be determined during negotiations with Commonwealth Sport, depending on how big a roster we prepare. An estimate will be worked out close to the end of this year."

An elaborate roster is planned for the 2030 Games. The 2026 CWG, set to be held in Glasgow, has been scaled down to a 114 million pounds (over Rs 1300 crore) budget, with major disciplines like wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey left out.

However, the IOA has clarified that the 2030 Games, if held in India, will include all dropped disciplines. “The plan is to have all our medal-earning sports like shooting, archery, wrestling etc. Our traditional sports like kabaddi, and kho kho should also be there," IOA joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey said after an IOA SGM in Delhi earlier this month.

India spent close to Rs 70,000 crore to host the 2010 Games, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of Rs 1600 crore.

The government believes hosting the CWG would benefit local businesses and generate revenue. “Beyond sports, hosting the CWG in India would leave a lasting impact by boosting tourism, creating jobs, and inspiring millions of young athletes. A large number of professionals will get opportunities in various fields such as Sports science, Event Operations and Management, Logistics and transport coordination, Broadcast and media, IT and communications, Public relations and communications," it stated.

Hosting such a globally prestigious event is expected to foster national pride and unity. “It will provide a shared national experience and boost the morale of our Nation. It will inspire a new generation of athletes to consider Sports as a career option and encourage greater participation in sports at all levels," the release concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)

Aakash Biswas

A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had ...Read More

A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had ...

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First Published:

August 27, 2025, 19:04 IST

News sports 'Ahmedabad Ideal Host With World-Class Stadiums': Cabinet Approves India's 2030 CWG Bid

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