By Ayegba James
Amdavad, India, has been recommended as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.
Also known as Ahmedabad, the city edged out Nigeria’s Abuja after a fiercely contested bidding process that showcased two ambitious visions for the future of Commonwealth sport.
The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport announced its decision on Wednesday, describing the Indian city’s proposal as “a landmark moment” for the Movement as it prepares to celebrate 100 years since the first Commonwealth Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
In earlier report accesspostng learned that, Nigeria would face competition from fellow former British colony, India, as the two countries that have put in bids to host the 2030 edition of the Commonwealth Games, after they both met the August 31 deadline.
The recommendation will now go before the full Commonwealth Sport membership for ratification at the General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025.
“Both India and Nigeria presented inspiring proposals that captured the scale of opportunity within our Commonwealth family.
“After careful consideration, the Board is recommending Amdavad as host for the Centenary Games — a decision that marks a significant milestone as we look to the next century of Commonwealth sport,” said Dr. Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport.
Located in the western state of Gujarat, Amdavad (also known as Ahmedabad) will become the first Indian city to host the Games in more than two decades, following New Delhi’s staging of the event in 2010.
The city’s bid focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, pledging to deliver a Games that mirrors India’s rapid development and youthful energy.
President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, Dr. P. T. Usha, said hosting the Centenary Games would be “an extraordinary honour” for the nation.
“The Games would not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
“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,” Usha said.
While Amdavad took the coveted recommendation, Nigeria’s Abuja bid earned widespread praise for its ambition and unity.
Commonwealth Sport officials confirmed that the Board would continue working closely with Nigeria to advance its hosting aspirations, with discussions already under way for potential consideration for the 2034 Games.
“The Board was deeply impressed by the vision and ambition of Nigeria’s proposal.
“We are committed to continuing our collaboration with Nigeria to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa,” Rukare said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Shehu Dikko, said the country remained proud of its effort despite the outcome.
“While we are, of course, disappointed not to have been recommended for 2030, our proposal reflected a national consensus that sport must drive economic growth and unity.
“We look forward to building on this foundation as we prepare to host the 2027 Africa Youth Games and pursue the 2031 Africa Games,” Dikko said.
New Era for the Commonwealth Games
The 2030 Centenary Games will follow the 2026 edition in Glasgow, which Commonwealth Sport officials say will deliver a “wow factor” and a renewed energy for athletes and fans alike.
Katie Sadleir CNZM, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Sport, said the Amdavad decision represented “a strategic step forward.”
“The Centenary Games offer an opportunity not just to celebrate 100 years of history, but to demonstrate how the Commonwealth Games can continue to evolve — creating lasting impact for athletes, communities, and nations across the Commonwealth,” Sadleir said.
