New Delhi, Aug 27 (PTI) — The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for India's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, designating Ahmedabad as the "ideal" venue due to its top-tier stadiums, state-of-the-art training facilities, and vibrant sporting culture.
This decision follows the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) approval after the submission of the 'Expression of Interest' in March.
The Press Information Bureau's release stated, "The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for the submission of a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG)."
Furthermore, it also sanctioned the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA) alongside the required guarantees from relevant ministries, departments, and authorities, including the provision of necessary grant-in-aid to the Gujarat Government if the bid is accepted.
With August 31 as the deadline for bid submission, the IOA is expected to finalize the details within the next two days.
The General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport is set to decide the host country in the last week of November in Glasgow.
India's bid is looking more favorable as Canada has withdrawn from the running due to budgetary limitations.
The PIB statement reiterated Ahmedabad as the ideal host.
"Ahmedabad is an ideal host city offering world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and an enthusiastic sporting culture.
Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest stadium globally, has already proven its worth by hosting the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final," the statement noted.
India also has its eye on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad as a prime candidate.
The city's sports infrastructure, under enhancement efforts, is currently hosting the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is one key site under construction, including an aquatics center, a football stadium, and venues for indoor sports.
A complete budget for the 2030 Games is still under consideration, and a Sports Ministry official revealed it would be established in due time.
"Cost analysis will happen during talks with Commonwealth Sport, based on the event's scope.
An estimate will likely be available towards the year's end," the source remarked.
The 2026 CWG in Glasgow will be a scaled-down affair to stay within budget, with the city planning the event within an eight-mile radius at a cost of 114 million pounds (approximately Rs 1300 crore).
Consequently, key sports such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey are absent from its 10-sport roster.
The IOA has expressed intent for the 2030 Games in India to feature a comprehensive program, reintroducing these sports and more.
"Our plan includes all major sports disciplines like shooting, archery, wrestling, etc.
Traditional sports like kabaddi and kho kho should also feature," stated IOA Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey following an IOA SGM in Delhi earlier this month.
Hosting the 2010 Games cost India nearly Rs 70,000 crore, a significant jump from its initial Rs 1600 crore estimate.
The large-scale participation from 72 countries in the Commonwealth Games is expected to benefit local businesses and fuel revenue growth.
"Beyond sports, hosting the CWG in India will leave a legacy—boosting tourism, creating jobs, and inspiring countless young athletes," noted the statement.
The event also promises extensive opportunities in Sports Science, Event Operations, Management, Logistics, Media Broadcast, IT, and Communications, and more.
The government envisages that hosting such a "globally prestigious event" will cultivate national pride and unity.
"This will provide a shared national experience and elevate our national morale.
It will motivate a new generation to pursue sports as a career and increase sports participation at various levels," the release concluded.
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