India has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, edging out Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, after a fiercely contested bidding process.
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board announced on Wednesday that Ahmedabad, located in India’s western state of Gujarat, has been selected as the host city. The decision will be formally ratified at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
The 2030 Games will mark India’s first time hosting the event since the Delhi 2010 edition — a symbolic homecoming coinciding with the Commonwealth’s 100th anniversary.
Ahmedabad’s successful bid was anchored on its modern sporting infrastructure, led by the Narendra Modi Stadium — the world’s largest sports arena, with a capacity of 132,000. The city, home to more than five million residents, has emerged as a global sports hub and is even being considered a potential future Olympic host.
Reacting to the announcement, the President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, Dr. P. T. Usha, said the Games would serve as a source of unity and inspiration for India’s youth.
“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.
Nigeria’s loss means Africa’s long wait to host the Commonwealth Games continues, despite widespread calls for the continent to be given the opportunity in the competition’s 100-year history.
This marks Abuja’s second unsuccessful attempt to host the Games, after losing the bid for the 2014 edition to Glasgow.
Naija News reports that Nigeria’s 2030 proposal had received strong political backing from President Bola Tinubu, who endorsed the project in July 2025. The Nigerian Olympic Committee had earlier described Abuja’s bid as “a compelling narrative for the nation’s progress and readiness.”
In August, a high-powered Nigerian delegation of government and sports officials met with the Commonwealth Games Federation in London to present the country’s hosting plan, emphasizing sustainability and regional impact. Both Abuja and Ahmedabad were the only cities to meet the submission deadline of August 31.
President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, commended both nations for their interest, describing their commitment as proof of the Games’ enduring global relevance.
“This positive response from two sporting powerhouse nations demonstrates the continued significance and legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games and the strength of our reimagined, sustainable Games model,” Rukare stated.
India’s bid gained further momentum after Canada’s proposed multi-province campaign collapsed earlier in the year. Hamilton, Ontario — host of the inaugural 1930 British Empire Games — had been viewed as the sentimental favorite for the centenary edition before withdrawing due to financial constraints.
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board revealed that host cities were evaluated based on key criteria, including infrastructure readiness, athlete experience, governance, and alignment with Commonwealth values.
While confirming Ahmedabad’s selection, the board also hinted that Nigeria’s hosting dream remains alive.
“The Commonwealth Sport Executive 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.