Ahmedabad ready to host Commonwealth Games 2030: How did India get the hosting rights, when did the whole story begin?

Hosting the 2036 Olympic Games has always been a long-term goal for the Indian government. Ahmedabad has now taken a major step in this direction, with India set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games Executive Committee has given its consent, and formal approval will be given on November 26th. This event will not only be historic for India but will also mark the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games, which was first held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

The race began eight months ago.

Cities around the world had to register their interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games by March 31, 2025. Subsequently, they had to submit their detailed 'bid document' or 'bid dossier' within the next five months, i.e., by August 31, 2025. This document required each city to detail its strategy for hosting the Games. Information was also required to be provided regarding sports facilities, the Games Village, security arrangements, and post-event plans. Following this, the Commonwealth Sports Federation (CGF) was to evaluate all these proposals and make a final decision by the end of November. Before the deadline, only two countries, India (Ahmedabad) and Nigeria (Abuja), submitted their bids to host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.

Preparations began in January 2025

India's ambitious journey began in January 2025, when Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and representatives from the Athletics Federation of India met with Commonwealth Games Federation Vice President Chris Jenkins in Gandhinagar. Initial discussions regarding Ahmedabad's bid took place, and it was also clarified that India intended to apply to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Subsequently, on February 16, 2025, Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadler praised India's efforts, stating, "This effort by Ahmedabad will be a strong step forward for India's bidding for the 2036 Olympics."

March to August 2025: The bidding process accelerated

The Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) conducted the entire process in a highly organized manner. On March 21, 2025, with the Indian Government's approval, the IOA formally submitted its Letter of Intent. Subsequently, in June 2025, a high-level delegation of the Indian government and sports representatives visited the Commonwealth Games Federation headquarters in London. The Games' legacy, economic model, and event structure were discussed in detail.

Following this meeting, India's bid gained significant momentum globally. On August 13, 2025, the IOA unanimously approved the Ahmedabad bid at its Special General Meeting. Two weeks later, the Indian government officially approved the bid and presented a draft of the 2036 Olympic roadmap to the Commonwealth Games Federation. Bhubaneswar was initially considered as a potential host city, but the Indian delegation ultimately considered Ahmedabad the final and best choice.

Ahmedabad Wins the Final Bid

In September 2025, the Indian delegation made its final presentation to the Commonwealth Games Federation. The delegation included IOA President P.T. Usha, Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi, IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer, and Principal Secretary Ashwani Kumar. In this presentation, Ahmedabad not only presented its sports infrastructure, stadium network, and infrastructure plans, but also showcased how the event would showcase India's economic and cultural strengths to the world. Ultimately, the Commonwealth Games Federation unanimously accepted Ahmedabad's proposal.

2036 Olympics: The Real Goal

The next big step now is the Commonwealth Games Federation's General Body Meeting on November 26, 2025, where Ahmedabad will formally approve the hosting rights. This will be India's real test. The test will be to make the 2030 Commonwealth Games the most successful Commonwealth Games ever. Throughout all of this, India's ultimate goal is clear: "Hosting the Olympic Games in India in 2036." The success of Ahmedabad represents not just a sporting event but the first concrete step towards establishing India's leadership on the global sports map.