Ahmedabad Selected to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games, Nigeria’s Bid Falls Short

India has been chosen to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, surpassing Nigeria’s bid and marking the second time in 20 years that the prestigious multi-sport event will be staged in the world’s most populous nation.

The historic decision saw Ahmedabad, a bustling city in western India, emerge as the preferred host after a thorough evaluation by the Commonwealth Sport governing body’s assessment commission. The official ratification of the selection is expected to take place during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.

Ahmedabad’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium — the world’s largest sporting arena with a seating capacity of 132,000 — played a pivotal role in securing the city’s victory. The venue famously hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup final and continues to be a global symbol of India’s sporting ambition.

With a population exceeding five million, Ahmedabad has rapidly evolved into one of India’s major sporting and cultural hubs. Experts have even tipped the city as a potential future Olympic Games host, given its infrastructure and government backing.

Dr. P. T. Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, expressed pride and optimism following the announcement.
“We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth,” she said.

The 2030 Games will mark the centenary celebration of the inaugural Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. This will also be India’s second time hosting the event, after New Delhi successfully did so in 2010.

For Nigeria, however, the news comes as another missed opportunity. Abuja had been among the top contenders but failed to clinch the hosting rights — a repeat of its 2014 setback when Glasgow was selected instead. The decision means Africa’s long wait to host the Commonwealth Games continues.

Despite this, the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board noted Nigeria’s strong proposal and expressed its intention to support the country’s ambitions for future editions.
“The Board has agreed to develop a strategy for supporting and accelerating Nigeria’s hosting ambitions for future Games, including consideration for 2034,” the statement read.

The announcement brings renewed optimism for the future of the Commonwealth Games, following concerns about financial and logistical challenges faced by previous hosts. After Victoria, Australia withdrew from hosting the 2026 Games, Glasgow stepped in to save the event.

The reimagined 2030 edition promises a more sustainable and cost-effective model, with fewer sports, smaller athlete delegations, and a greater focus on innovation and community impact.

With India’s successful bid, the countdown to the centenary Commonwealth Games begins — one expected to celebrate not only athletic excellence but also cultural diversity and unity across 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.