Amdavad, India has officially been confirmed as the host city for the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking a historic milestone for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The decision was ratified by delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.
India’s winning bid showcased a compelling long-term vision centred in Amdavad, building on the legacy of the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Games. The announcement was followed by a vibrant cultural performance featuring 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers, offering delegates a glimpse of the energy, colour and heritage athletes and fans can expect in Gujarat.
The performance included members of Glasgow’s Indian community and participants from across the Commonwealth, symbolising unity and cultural diversity as the Movement transitions from Glasgow 2026 to the landmark Centenary edition in 2030.
The Commonwealth Games, first held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930, last took place in Birmingham in 2022, where Australia topped the medal table, followed by England, Canada, India and New Zealand.
Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said: “This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a ‘Games reset’ we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games. India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance, and I’m delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond. We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health.”
Dr PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said: “We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate a hundred years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together Athletes, communities, and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”
Sports Programme for Amdavad 2030
Commonwealth Sport also confirmed that 15–17 sports will feature at the Centenary Games. The Amdavad 2030 team will work closely with international federations to finalise a dynamic programme reflecting both global appeal and local relevance.
Core sports determined by the recent Sport Programme Review include Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball and Boxing.
Additional sports under consideration include Archery, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon and Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. Hosts may also nominate up to two new or traditional sports.
The final line-up will be announced next year.
Athletes React
Scottish swimmer Duncan Scott said: “The Commonwealth Games are a special part of my career. Taking part in a home Games is incredible, so I’m excited for Indian Athletes who’ll get to do that in 2030. And for everyone else we’ve got an opportunity to expand our horizons and experience the ambition and colour of Amdavad and India. I loved the chance to compete in the Gold Coast in Australia as part of a travelling Team Scotland. We look forward to handing over the Games to Amdavad in great shape after welcoming all to Glasgow next year.”
World Champion Indian boxer Jaismine Lamboria added: “It truly is a proud moment to see India become the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games. Amdavad will give Athletes and fans a very warm and vibrant welcome, and having the opportunity to compete on home soil in 2030 will be a huge motivation for me and for many others. I’m excited for the next decade for Indian sport.”
As preparations begin, all eyes now turn to Amdavad as it gears up to host one of the most significant editions in Commonwealth Games history.
