India Competes With Global Bidders To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

India is among seven nations and territories that have formally expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a landmark centennial edition marking 100 years since the event’s inception in 1930.

The announcement by Commonwealth Sport reveals rising global enthusiasm, with Canada and Nigeria also making their intentions public.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) received expressions of interest (EOIs) from nations spanning four continents, signaling a highly competitive bidding process.

While Canada and Nigeria have been vocal about their bids, two other countries remain unnamed. Meanwhile, New Zealand is reportedly aiming for the 2034 edition.

A Centennial Milestone

The 2030 Games carry special significance as they commemorate a century of the Commonwealth Games, first held in Hamilton, Canada.

The heightened interest among potential hosts underlines the event’s stature as one of the world’s premier multi-sport competitions, alongside the Olympics and Paralympics.

Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, said, “We are thrilled with the incredible interest from around the Commonwealth in hosting the 2030 centennial Games. This enthusiasm from four of our six regions underscores the Games’ global appeal and the momentum of our reimagined, flexible model.”

India’s Strategic Bid

Earlier this year, in February 2024, India submitted its Letter of Intent (LOI) to CGF President Chris Jenkins.

Its bid is seen as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen its global sporting profile and leverage sports diplomacy.

If successful, India would join the ranks of previous hosts such as Delhi (2010), which left a lasting infrastructure legacy.

India aligns its proposal with the CGF’s push for sustainable, adaptable Games formats that use shared venues and cut costs.

The Glasgow Factor

Sadleir credited Scotland’s leadership in stepping up to host the 2026 Games in Glasgow within a tight timeline, calling it a ‘pioneering’ move that reshaped future expectations.

“Glasgow’s example will expand hosting opportunities for a wider range of countries and give confidence to our commercial partners,” she noted.

The growing pipeline of interested nations reinforces the Commonwealth Games’ relevance and showcases a renewed commitment to making global sporting events more inclusive and sustainable.

As the CGF reviews formal bids, India’s aspiration to host the 2030 Games remains part of a transformative journey for international sports.

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