India clinches hosting rights for 2030 Commonwealth Games, outpaces Nigeria’s Abuja bid
India has secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, beating out Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, in a closely contested bid that highlighted the growing influence of emerging nations in global sporting affairs.
The decision to award the centenary edition of the Games to the Indian city of Ahmedabad was announced on Wednesday by Commonwealth Sport, the body responsible for overseeing the quadrennial event.
The final ratification of the choice is expected at the Commonwealth Games Federation’s General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
The Wednesday’s announcement maked Ahmedabad the de facto host marking the second time in history that the Games would take place on Indian soil.
“We view the 2030 Games as a unique opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen global partnerships, and advance the Commonwealth’s shared values,” said Dr. P.T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India.
India’s successful bid dealt a blow to Nigeria’s long-standing ambition to bring the Commonwealth Games to West Africa for the first time.
Abuja was also a finalist in the race to host the 2014 Games, which eventually went to Glasgow.
Nigeria’s renewed 2030 effort, which enjoyed strong support from President Bola Tinubu and sporting stakeholders across the country, was seen as a potential breakthrough for the continent.
In September, Tinubu had described hosting the Games as a “dream that must be realised,” positioning it as part of a broader national sports development agenda.
Despite this enthusiasm, India’s presentation, infrastructure, and track record ultimately swayed the Commonwealth Games evaluation commission.
Ahmedabad, located in western India, is no stranger to the international sporting spotlight.
It is home to the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket venue in the world, boasting a capacity of 132,000, which successfully hosted the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final.
With a population exceeding five million, Ahmedabad has increasingly been mentioned as a potential future Olympic bid city.
Its expanding transportation network, modern sports facilities, and logistical readiness played a crucial role in winning over the evaluators.
The city’s 2030 Games would mark India’s second time hosting the event, following Delhi’s staging of the 2010 edition.
The 2030 Games would carry added historical weight as the centenary edition, commemorating 100 years since the inaugural British Empire Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
For India, the Games offer a chance to cement its place as a central sporting hub within the Commonwealth, while also showcasing its capacity to host mega-events beyond cricket.
For Nigeria, the result is a setback, but one analysts suggest could set the stage for future bids, particularly if regional support from the African Union or ECOWAS is marshalled more effectively next time.
