India to propose hosting the Commonwealth Games as a component of their Olympic ambitions
India Aims High with 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid
India's Olympic aspirations are on the rise as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially approved the country's bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and New Delhi have been identified as potential host cities, with Ahmedabad being the frontrunner due to its world-class infrastructure [1][2][4][5].
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, boasting a 132,000-seat capacity, stands out as a premier venue for the Games. Bhubaneswar and New Delhi also have existing sports infrastructure that could support multiple events, though specifics on their stadiums were not detailed [1][2].
The IOA has not yet made a final decision on the host city, emphasizing that all three cities offer strong facilities. A team from Commonwealth Sport has already inspected venues in Ahmedabad, and further visits are expected. India faces competition from Nigeria, as Canada withdrew its bid in June 2025 [1][2][5].
Beyond the 2030 Commonwealth Games, India is using this event as a stepping stone for a potential 2036 Olympic Games bid. Ahmedabad is expected to be a key city for the possible Olympic bid, leveraging the experience and upgraded venues from hosting the Commonwealth Games to strengthen its candidature for the Olympics [2].
India's focus on the Commonwealth Games is not just about hosting a major international sporting event. It's also about advancing the country's global sporting profile. With a population of 1.4 billion, India's record at the Olympics is poor for a country of its size, having won only 10 gold medals in its history. The IOA is focusing on including sports where India has a chance of winning maximum medals in the Commonwealth Games [6].
The Times of India newspaper reported Rohit Rajpal's statement about India's focus on including sports where they have a chance of winning maximum medals in the Commonwealth Games. Rajpal also mentioned that if India wins the bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, they will include tag-type sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, which India is pushing to be included in the Olympics [7].
The decision regarding the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be made in November in Glasgow. India has previously hosted World Cups for cricket and the Asian Games twice. New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and Ahmedabad are ready to make history again [1][2][4][5].
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Potential Host Cities | Ahmedabad (favored), Bhubaneswar, New Delhi | | Key Stadium | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (132,000 capacity) | | Bid Status | Formal bid approved by IOA; final submission by August 31, 2025; host decision in Nov 2025 | | Competition | Nigeria remains interested; Canada withdrew | | 2036 Olympic Aspirations | Commonwealth Games seen as a stepping stone to a 2036 Olympic bid, likely centering in Ahmedabad |
India's ambition to host major international sporting events is clear, and this bid represents a significant step towards achieving that goal.
- In an effort to boost its global sports profile, India is targeting the inclusion of sports where it has a higher chance of winning medals in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, such as tag-type sports like kabaddi and kho kho.
- The Times of India revealed that India's focus on the Commonwealth Games extends beyond hosting a major sporting event, as the country aims to leverage the experience and upgraded facilities to strengthen its candidature for a potential 2036 Olympic Games bid.
- India's Olympic aspirations are not limited to the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid, as the country has its sights set on potential hosting of the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad projected as a key city for both events due to its world-class infrastructure.
