The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The decision was made during a Special General Meeting held on Wednesday, well ahead of the August 31 deadline.
The bid reflects India’s strategic push to establish itself as a global sporting hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously expressed India’s intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036, and this Commonwealth bid is seen as a stepping stone toward that goal.
Recent international events hosted in India, including the Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar, have demonstrated the country’s growing infrastructure and organisational capabilities. World Athletics vice-president Adille Sumariwalla confirmed India’s interest in hosting the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad, respectively.
The IOA’s early approval is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global sports community and attract international attention to its evolving sports ecosystem.
With Canada having pulled out of the race, India’s chances of getting the 2030 CWG have brightened.
“The 2030 CWG will be a full-fledged Games. We will have all the sports we are good at and have a chance of winning maximum medals,” said Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal, referring to the pruned roster of the 2026 Glasgow edition where major sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling and shooting have been left out citing the cost factor.
“There are three groups of sports. First is core sports of the Commonwealth Games which are always there, then are sports which the host nation can choose and the third one are the additional sports.
“The 2030 will be an inclusive Games and will feature our traditional and indigenous sports also,” Rajpal added.
A team of officials from Commonwealth Sport, led by its Director of Games Darren Hall, recently visited Ahmedabad to inspect the venues and meet Gujarat government officials.
A bigger large delegation of Commonwealth Sport is expected to be there later this month.
The General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport will decide the host country in the last week of November in Glasgow. India has previously hosted the 2010 edition of the multi-sport event in Delhi.
- Agencies
