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Bronze Medal match between New Zealand and India at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has today confirmed that it will recommend Ahmedabad (also known as Amdavad), India, as the proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.
Ahmedabad will now be put forward to the full Commonwealth Sport membership, with the final decision taking place at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on 26 November 2025.
India’s desire to host the 2030 Games is part of a broader strategy to position itself as a global sporting leader, including aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
There were two strong proposals put forward by India and Nigeria to host the 2030 Games. This is great assurance for the future of the Commonwealth Games considering there are also multiple countries, including New Zealand, with a formal Expression of Interest lodged for hosting Commonwealth Games 2034.
If India are confirmed as host for 2030, this will further strengthen New Zealand’s relationship with India, building on the Memorandum of Cooperation in Sports between Sport New Zealand and India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
In 2026 New Zealand and India will also celebrate 100 years of sporting ties.
The recommendation of Ahmedabad follows a detailed process overseen by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which assessed candidate cities against a wide range of criteria including technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values.
Framed by Commonwealth Sport’s ‘Games Reset’ principles which are designed to encourage potential hosts to be innovative and work collaboratively, both Ahmedabad, India, and Abuja, Nigeria, submitted compelling proposals that reflect the ambition and potential of the Commonwealth Sport Movement.
The recommendation represents a landmark moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The 2030 Games will mark the centenary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching and promising to deliver a ‘wow factor’ for athletes and fans alike, today’s recommendation provides an exciting platform for the Centenary Games and beyond, offering long-term stability and momentum.
India, the most populous nation in the Commonwealth, has a proud sporting history and a strong record of Commonwealth Games success, finishing fourth on the medal table at Birmingham 2022.
Ahmedabad’s proposal emphasises India’s commitment to the values of the Commonwealth and its capacity to stage a Games that reflects the scale and diversity of modern sport.
Dr Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, said:
“The Executive Board has carefully considered the Evaluation Committee’s findings and is recommending Amdavad to our membership. This is a significant milestone for the Movement as we look to our Centenary Games, and we now look ahead to the General Assembly in Glasgow where our members will make the final decision.”
Dr. P T Usha, President of Commonwealth Games Association India said:
“It would be an extraordinary honour for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad. The Games would not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth.”
Katie Sadleir CNZM, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Sport, said:
“Today’s recommendation is strategically important for the future of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. It builds on the platform that Glasgow 2026 will provide and sets a clear direction for the years ahead. The Centenary Games in 2030 offer an opportunity not just to celebrate 100 years of history, but to demonstrate how the Commonwealth Games can continue to evolve, creating meaningful impact for athletes, communities and nations across the Commonwealth.”