Strong government support and India’s ambition to host major international events position the country as a leading contender for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, according to a senior Indian Olympic Association (IOA) official
India, the world’s most populous country, is aiming to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad as a stepping stone toward its broader ambition of securing the 2036 Olympic Games for the same western city.
A delegation from the Commonwealth Sport recently visited Ahmedabad to share insights from past editions and assist Indian officials in crafting a detailed bid, which is due by the August 31 deadline.
“There is a strong national enthusiasm for sports right now, and the government is fully committed to bringing major international events to India,” said IOA executive council member Harpal Singh in an interview.
“India is keen on hosting major international sporting events whether it’s the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, or the Olympics and we have unwavering support from the government,” said Harpal Singh.
He added that the current infrastructure in Ahmedabad is already impressive, and the proposed plans for future development further reassured the visiting delegation.
“With everything in place, India presents itself as a very strong and capable contender to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games,” Singh said.
Despite this confidence, the Indian Olympic Association is leaving nothing to chance, ensuring Ahmedabad meets all the necessary criteria ahead of the official host city announcement at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November.
“The visiting team is evaluating key aspects such as sustainability, gender equality, and environmental impact,” noted Singh, who also serves on the sports committee of the Commonwealth federation.
“The focus is heavily on sustainability,” Singh emphasized. “The Games must have a lasting impact well beyond 2030 and align closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It should not only reflect our rich and diverse culture but also inspire the youth across the Commonwealth.”
India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi, an event overshadowed by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. This time, the country is eager to deliver a world-class Games in 2030 to strengthen its case for hosting the 2036 Olympics.
“We haven’t hosted a large-scale, multi-nation event since 2010 that spans all six Commonwealth regions,” Singh said. “Organizing the 2030 Games successfully would be a crucial step toward achieving our ultimate goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics.”
India faces competition from Canada and Nigeria, who are also vying to host the 2030 Games, which will bring together athletes from around 70 Commonwealth countries and territories.
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