A high-level Indian delegation comprising government and sports officials spent two days in London this week in discussions with Commonwealth Sport, advancing India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games the event’s 100th anniversary. The group, led by Gujarat’s Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, included Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha and other senior representatives. Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, is the proposed host city for India’s bid.
In a statement on Saturday, the Gujarat Sports Ministry noted that the delegation engaged in extensive meetings and showcased the progress made so far in preparing the bid. However, their visit was likely aimed more at signaling India’s commitment to the bid than making any final push, as the competition remains stiff with up to six other contenders.
Earlier this year, Commonwealth Sport revealed that seven countries had submitted applications by the March 31 deadline to host either the 2030 or 2034 Games. These include India, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria, and two undisclosed nations, representing four continents. Full bid documents must be submitted by August 31, and the host nation will be chosen at the Commonwealth Sport annual meeting in November.
India sees the 2030 Commonwealth Games as a strategic milestone toward potentially hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, where it is already considered a strong contender. Ahmedabad is also seen as the likely venue for that future Olympic bid. While no formal timeline has been set for selecting the 2036 host, conversations among key stakeholders are ongoing, and securing the Commonwealth Games could strengthen India’s Olympic aspirations.
“We are developing a Games-hosting model focused on long-term benefits rather than short-term spectacle,” the government said in a statement. “The aim is to use existing infrastructure wherever possible and ensure the Games leave a lasting legacy for local communities.”
PT Usha echoed this sentiment in a statement to ANI News, saying, “India shares Commonwealth Sport’s belief in the power of sport to unite nations, inspire youth, and drive societal progress. We are ready to collaborate to deliver a legacy driven, future-focused Games in 2030.”
One challenge India faces is overcoming the negative perception left by the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, which were marred by delays and corruption scandals. However, India’s recent economic growth and rising geopolitical influence could help boost its chances this time.
The IOA plans to follow up with another high-level visit later this month to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. This visit will coincide with the installation of the IOC’s new president, Kirsty Coventry, on June 24. Coventry is known to have close ties with India, an advantage in the restructured Olympic bid process, which is now overseen by the IOC Executive Board.
Still, India’s Olympic ambitions face some hurdles. Last year, the IOC imposed financial sanctions on the IOA over governance concerns, and questions remain about PT Usha’s leadership of the organization.
Looking ahead, the next Commonwealth Games are set to take place in Glasgow in 2026. Due to a late change in host cities after Victoria, Australia withdrew citing financial issues the event will feature a reduced program with just ten sports.
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