Ahmedabad Set to Host 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games as India Reaches Historic Sporting High
India has achieved a monumental milestone in global sports as Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games — a landmark edition that will commemorate 100 years of the Commonwealth Games movement.
The announcement came after the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly 2025 held in Glasgow granted its final approval, bringing an end to weeks of speculation and excitement. For India, this decision is not just about hosting another event — it is about reclaiming a central place on the global sporting stage and celebrating a century-long legacy of unity, athletic excellence, and international cooperation.
The 2030 Games will mark exactly 100 years since the very first Commonwealth Games were staged in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930 — making this edition historically symbolic and globally significant.
A Long-Awaited Return of the Games to Indian Soil
India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi. Two decades later, the Games are returning to the nation, this time to Gujarat’s largest city, Ahmedabad — a city rapidly evolving into one of Asia’s most prominent sports hubs.
Ahmedabad’s bid competed directly with Abuja, Nigeria, but the 74-member Commonwealth assembly overwhelmingly voted in favour of India, citing the country’s strong infrastructure plan, organisational capability, and visionary approach. Nigeria has instead been selected to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games, ensuring the event continues its global rotation.
Dr. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, highlighted India’s strength by pointing to its unmatched scale, youthful energy, cultural heritage, passion for sport, and increasing global influence — all key factors that made Ahmedabad the ideal choice for this special centenary celebration.
Ahmedabad’s Transformation into a World-Class Sporting Hub
Over the past few years, Ahmedabad has steadily built its reputation as a destination for major international competitions. Its successful hosting of events such as the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, Asian Aquatics Championships, and AFC U-17 Asian Cup football qualifiers has demonstrated its readiness to manage large-scale sporting spectacles.
The city’s future calendar is equally impressive, with plans to host:
- Asian Weightlifting Championship (2026)
- Asia Para-Archery Cup (2026)
- World Police and Fire Games (2029) across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar
At the heart of the 2030 Games will be the grand Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave — a cutting-edge complex built to international standards. The facility will feature:
- The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium with seating for over 100,000 spectators
- A state-of-the-art aquatics centre
- A modern football stadium
- Two multi-purpose indoor arenas
- A fully equipped Athletes’ Village housing over 3,000 sportspersons
This massive infrastructure push also aligns with India’s larger ambition of bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games, showcasing the nation’s long-term vision for hosting elite global contests.
PT Usha: “A Moment of Pride and Responsibility”
Legendary athlete PT Usha, current President of the Indian Commonwealth Games Association and the Indian Olympic Association, called the announcement a moment of immense honour for the nation. She emphasized that the 2030 Games will not only celebrate athletic excellence but will also symbolise unity, progress, and international friendship.
According to her, this centenary edition will connect generations, cultures, and communities while setting the direction for the next century of Commonwealth sporting traditions.
Sports Line-Up: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Competition
The confirmed sports list for 2030 includes 15 to 17 disciplines, carefully chosen to reflect both inclusivity and global appeal. These include:
- Athletics and Para Athletics
- Swimming and Para Swimming
- Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
- Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Netball
- Boxing
Several other sports are still under review, such as cricket T20, badminton, hockey, shooting, wrestling, rugby sevens, archery, cycling, and triathlon. The host city will also have the privilege of recommending two additional disciplines — possibly showcasing traditional Indian sports on the world stage.
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Rising Star Estevão Delivers a Night to Remember
In another headline-grabbing sporting moment, football fans witnessed a thrilling display of youth brilliance as Chelsea dismantled a 10-man Barcelona side with a commanding 3–0 victory in the Champions League.
The spotlight shone brightly on 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevão, whose dazzling footwork, fearless runs, and clinical finishing left spectators spellbound. His style evoked memories of a young Lionel Messi, as he effortlessly weaved through defenders and dictated Chelsea’s attacking play.
Estevão’s Match Highlights:
- Opened scoring in the 55th minute capitalising on a defensive lapse by Cubarsí
- Became one of only three teenagers — alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé — to score in their first three Champions League starts
- Played a role in seven attacking sequences, the highest involvement in the match
- Now boasts four goals in four starts for Chelsea
- Recently scored for Brazil on international duty
Football legend Thierry Henry praised the youngster’s natural brilliance, stating that players like Estevão represent pure football joy and that his flair should never be suppressed.
Barcelona struggled to regain momentum after Ronald Araújo was sent off, reducing them to ten men and weakening their defensive structure. Despite late efforts, the Spanish giants failed to put Chelsea under meaningful pressure.
For Chelsea, the victory signals a promising revival under manager Enzo Maresca, highlighting a fresh era marked by young talent and attacking confidence.
A Golden Chapter for Global Sport
From India preparing to host a centenary celebration of the Commonwealth Games to a teenage footballer conquering Europe’s biggest stage, these moments reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of world sport. They tell stories of ambition, tradition, youthful brilliance, and the unifying power of competition — reminding fans everywhere why sport continues to inspire millions across generations.