Cabinet clears formal bid as IOA prepares submission as stepping stone towards 2036 Olympic bid
India has taken a major step toward hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the Union Cabinet officially approving the bid and endorsing Ahmedabad as the proposed host city. The move follows the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) earlier nod after submitting an Expression of Interest for the event.
“The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for submission of bid for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030,” stated a release from the Press Information Bureau.
The cabinet also authorised the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA), including the necessary guarantees from multiple ministries and departments. “It also gave its approval to sign the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA) along with the required Guarantees from concerned Ministries, Departments and Authorities and sanction of required grant-in-aid to Gujarat Government, in case the bid gets accepted,” the release added.
With the deadline for final submissions set for August 31, the IOA is expected to complete the formalities within the next 48 hours. The final decision will be made by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly during its meeting in Glasgow this November.
Ahmedabad positioned as global sporting hub
Ahmedabad has been officially put forward as the ideal host city for the Games, thanks to its modern sports infrastructure, cultural enthusiasm, and past track record in hosting marquee events.
“Ahmedabad is an ideal host city offering world class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture. Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest stadium in the world, has already demonstrated its capability by successfully hosting the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final,” it said.
India last hosted the CWG in 2010, and this renewed bid aligns with broader ambitions — including India’s pursuit of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, for which Ahmedabad is again seen as a likely venue. Massive infrastructure upgrades are already underway across the city, including the development of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. In addition to the Narendra Modi Stadium, the enclave is expected to include a new aquatics centre, football stadium, and two multipurpose indoor arenas.
A boost for economy, employment, and national morale
The government views hosting the CWG not just as a sporting milestone, but also as a national opportunity for economic and social upliftment.
“Beyond sports, hosting the CWG in India would leave a lasting impact boosting tourism, creating jobs and inspiring millions of young athletes. Apart from that, a large number of professionals will be getting opportunities in Sports science, Event Operations and Management, Logistics and transport coordinators, Broadcast and media, IT and communications, Public relations and communications and in other fields as well,” it said.
More than 70 countries are expected to participate in the Games, creating global visibility and substantial international engagement. The event is also expected to spark momentum across India’s grassroots sports ecosystem.
“It will provide a shared national experience and boost the morale of our Nation. It will inspire a new generation of athletes to enter into Sports as a career option and encourage greater participation in sports at all levels,” the release stated.
India plans full roster for 2030 Games
Unlike the scaled-down format planned for the 2026 Games in Glasgow — which notably dropped events like wrestling, shooting, and hockey — India intends to present an expansive sports programme if it wins the 2030 bid.
“The plan is to have all our medal-earning sports like shooting, archery, wrestling etc. Our traditional sports like kabaddi, and kho kho should also be there,” IOA joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey had said after an IOA SGM in Delhi earlier this month.
With Canada having withdrawn its bid due to financial constraints, India’s chances of securing hosting rights have improved significantly. If successful, the 2030 Commonwealth Games would not only spotlight Ahmedabad on the global sporting stage but also serve as a key milestone in India’s long-term sporting ambitions.
