India has officially taken a significant step toward hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) giving its formal approval
to the country's bid. The decision came during the IOA's Special General Meeting (SGM) held in New Delhi on Tuesday (August 13).
India has already submitted an Expression of Interest for the event and is backing Ahmedabad as the proposed host city. The deadline to submit the final set of bidding documents is August 31, after which Commonwealth Sport will assess all contenders.
India's chances have improved considerably following Canada's withdrawal from the race. Earlier this month, a delegation from Commonwealth Sport, led by Director of Games Darren Hall, visited Ahmedabad to inspect potential venues and hold discussions with Gujarat government officials. A larger team is expected to return later in August for further assessments as the bid submission deadline nears.
If successful, this would be India's second time hosting the Commonwealth Games, having previously staged the 2010 edition in New Delhi. That event saw India achieve one of its best-ever performances, securing second place in the medal tally with 101 medals - 38 gold, 27 silver, and 36 bronze. Australia topped the table with 177 medals, while England finished third with 142.
The final decision on the 2030 host will be made in November this year at the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in Glasgow. Securing the event could also play a strategic role in India's long-term ambitions to host the Olympic Games in 2036, with Ahmedabad widely considered the frontrunner city for that bid as well.
Hosting the 2030 CWG would not only bolster India's credentials as a major global sports destination but also deliver significant economic, tourism, and infrastructure benefits. With Canada out of contention and Ahmedabad already under international scrutiny for its readiness, India's path to winning the hosting rights has become more promising.
The coming weeks will be critical as the IOA, local authorities, and government work together to finalize the proposal and showcase Ahmedabad's capability to stage a world-class multi-sport event. A win in November could mark the beginning of an even bigger journey toward the Olympic dream.
