India has been officially confirmed as the host nation for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, edging out Nigeria’s Abuja after a closely contested bidding process.
The city of Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat, was selected ahead of Abuja by the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport on Wednesday. The decision will be formally ratified at the organisation’s general assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
The announcement marks the return of the Games to India for the first time since Delhi 2010. Ahmedabad’s winning bid highlighted its robust infrastructure — including the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest sports venue with a capacity of 132,000, which hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup final.
With a population of over five million people and a rapidly expanding sports culture, Ahmedabad has also been tipped as a potential future Olympic host city.
Reacting to the news, Dr P. T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said the event would be a unifying moment for India and the wider Commonwealth.
“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 stated.
Abuja’s defeat means Africa’s long wait to host the Commonwealth Games continues, despite repeated appeals for the event to be brought to the continent for the first time in its 100-year history.
This is the second time Abuja has lost its bid, following an earlier attempt to host the 2014 edition, which eventually went to Glasgow.
Nigeria’s campaign for the 2030 Games had enjoyed strong government backing, with President Bola Tinubu declaring full federal support in July 2025. The Nigeria Olympic Committee had earlier submitted its expression of interest on March 28, 2025, describing Abuja’s proposal as “a compelling narrative for the nation’s progress and readiness.”
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