Ahmedabad, India, has been officially recommended as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, edging out Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Commonwealth Sport announced the decision on Wednesday, confirming that the Indian city emerged ahead of its African rival following a rigorous evaluation process.
The recommendation will be presented for ratification at the organization’s General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26. Once approved, the 2030 Games will mark the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games exactly 100 years since its inception.
If ratified, it will be the second time in 20 years that India will host the global sporting event, following Delhi’s hosting in 2010.
Ahmedabad, located in western India, is home to the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium the world’s largest sporting arena with a 132,000-seat capacity. The venue hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup final and stands as a major asset for the city’s Games bid.
With a population exceeding five million, Ahmedabad has been widely recognized as one of India’s fastest-growing cities. It has even been tipped as a potential contender for a future Olympic Games, owing to its infrastructure and strong government support.
Dr. P. T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, expressed optimism about the opportunity, saying the Games would unite people across nations and inspire the next generation.
“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,” Dr. Usha stated.
For Nigeria, the announcement marks another missed opportunity for Abuja, which has now lost two hosting bids. The capital city had earlier been overlooked for the 2014 Games, which eventually went to Glasgow, Scotland.
Sports analysts say the loss is a major disappointment for Nigeria’s sporting community, which had viewed the 2030 bid as a chance to showcase Africa’s growing capability to host major global events.
The 9am News report notes that Nigeria’s bid had drawn attention for its focus on regional inclusion, youth engagement, and infrastructure development. However, logistical and funding challenges reportedly played a role in tilting the evaluation in Ahmedabad’s favor.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be the first major global event of the decade to be held in India, signaling the country’s growing prominence in international sports hosting.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
