After submitting a Letter of Intent to host the 2036 Olympics, India is now reportedly considering a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has initiated informal discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) regarding the possibility of hosting the centenary edition of the event, Indian Express reports.
Per the daily, Ahmedabad, financial capital of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state Gujarat, is the “frontrunner”, with Bhubaneswar also being considered.
CGF president Chris Jenkins and chief executive Katie Sadlier recently toured India, meeting state and Central government officials in Gandhinagar, Bhubaneswar, and New Delhi to assess the feasibility of a bid.
During the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, Jenkins held discussions with IOA president PT Usha. The CGF has set a deadline of March 31 for countries to submit an official Expression of Interest (EoI), leaving India with little time to finalise its decision.
Jenkins spent three days in Ahmedabad, where he met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior government officials. During these discussions, the state reiterated its long-term vision of hosting the 2036 Olympics and conducting global sporting events in the build-up.
CGF officials inspected key sporting venues, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, the soon-to-be-launched Naranpura Sports Complex, and the EKA Arena.
Ahmedabad’s bid aligns with Gujarat’s broader strategy of hosting major international events. The state is also vying to host the 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Championship, the 2028 Asian Swimming Championship, and the 2028 World U20 Athletics Championships, among others, Indian Express further reports.
India’s interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games comes at a time when the CGF is struggling to secure hosts. Durban was initially awarded the 2022 Games but later withdrew due to financial constraints, prompting Birmingham to step in. Similarly, Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games, leaving Glasgow to take over, albeit with a reduced 10-sport programme.
To make the event more financially viable, the CGF has introduced new hosting models. Jenkins and Sadlier informed Indian officials that under the revised framework, cities would no longer be required to build a dedicated athletes’ village or new venues. According to estimates, this change could reduce costs by nearly 60%.
“A lot of venues in Ahmedabad will be ready in the next three to four years. These facilities are being developed to foster a sporting culture, regardless of whether India wins the 2036 Olympic bid,” an official told the daily.
The Gujarat government has drawn up an extensive plan to develop world-class sports infrastructure. The SVP Sports Enclave will house the Narendra Modi Stadium, a multi-purpose indoor arena, and aquatics and tennis centres as permanent venues. Additionally, Karai will feature an athletics stadium, a shooting complex, and an indoor arena.
The Naranpura Sports Complex is scheduled for completion by March, while the SVP Sports Enclave and Karai facilities are expected to be ready by 2028.
