Officials in Amdavad, India, have pledged to significantly elevate the Commonwealth Games when the city hosts the centenary edition in 2030, aiming to create a transformative event that reflects both local heritage and international ambition. Known for its rich textile history, Amdavad plans to invest heavily in infrastructure, expand the sports program, and position the Games as a stepping stone toward a potential Olympic bid as early as 2036.
This commitment comes in stark contrast to the recently completed 2022 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, which were marked by budget constraints and a reduced sports roster. Glasgow hosted just 10 sports with limited outdoor events, relying heavily on funding from the government of Victoria, Australia, after the Victoria state government pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games following budget miscalculations. Scottish officials, including the Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren and Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, emphasized keeping the Commonwealth sporting tradition alive through a modest financial commitment.
By comparison, Amdavad is preparing a more ambitious program, expected to feature between 15 and 17 sports, up from Glasgow's scaled-back slate but still below the 26 sports originally planned for the canceled Victoria Games. The city's organizers are working closely with international sports federations to shape the program and have shown interest in including cricket, archery, shooting, and traditional Indian sports such as Kabaddi, alongside established events like hockey, triathlon, diving, and rugby sevens.
Raghu Iyer, chief executive of Team India and the Indian Olympic Association, highlighted the ongoing discussions about the sports lineup, indicating that a definitive list would be finalized within the next six months. Iyer also praised Glasgow’s integration of para and able-bodied sports, noting the effectiveness of delivering high-quality ceremonies on reduced budgets.
The Games in Amdavad are seen as an opportunity to erase the blemishes left by the scandal-plagued 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Indian athletes and officials have expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event after a 20-year hiatus. Indian long jumper Sreeshankar Murali, who won silver in Glasgow, described the upcoming Games as a “huge festival” that will showcase India’s growing passion for sports and its capability to host large-scale international competitions.
The broader strategic objective is to demonstrate Amdavad’s readiness for an Olympic bid, complementing other regional efforts such as the 2028 World Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadlier has reiterated the organization’s intent to keep the number of sports manageable to maintain financial sustainability, reflecting lessons learned from the Victoria Games cancellation. As preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games continue, India aims to leverage the event to bolster its international sports profile and infrastructure development.