New Delhi:  The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved India’s submission of a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG), with Ahmedabad being named the “ideal” host city. According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the Cabinet has also cleared the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA), along with the necessary guarantees from concerned Ministries, Departments, and Authorities, and the sanction of grant-in-aid to the Gujarat Government if the bid is accepted.

Ahmedabad has been highlighted as a prime venue due to its world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture. The Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest in the world, successfully hosted the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final, showcasing the city’s readiness for major international events.

The decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) approval of India’s ‘Expression of Interest’ submitted in March. The final bid must be submitted by August 31, and the IOA is expected to complete all formalities within the next 48 hours. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. The host country will be finalized by the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport during the last week of November in Glasgow. Canada’s withdrawal from the 2030 bid race has improved India’s chances of securing the Games.

The Cabinet emphasized that hosting the Games would create significant opportunities in tourism, sports science, event management, logistics, broadcasting, IT, and communications, while also fostering national pride and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Ahmedabad is also being positioned as a front-runner for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, with infrastructure developments such as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave under construction, featuring an aquatics centre, football stadium, and arenas for indoor sports alongside the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.

In terms of sporting events, the 2030 Games in India are expected to feature an elaborate roster, including all major disciplines previously excluded from the 2026 Glasgow Games, such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, hockey, kabaddi, and kho kho.

IOA Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey confirmed that India aims to include all medal-winning and traditional sports to ensure a comprehensive and competitive event.