India is bidding for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, pitching them at Ahmedabad, as the host city, whereby giving a fresh momentum to its efforts to expand the city’s world class sports and urban infrastructure. Athletes from 72 countries are expected to participate in the CWG, besides contingent members, technical delegates, officials, tourists, etc.. It will benefit local businesses and generate revenue, the government said.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave will be the central venue, anchored by the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, the world’s largest cricket ground with a capacity of over one lakh.
The city is gearing up for global events in the near future:
Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship 2025 opened on August 24 at the newly completed Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura.
- The Asian Aquatics Championship is scheduled for September-October at facilities within the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel enclave, a 300-acre complex. The venue is under development, with 10 new stadiums with permanent and temporary structures to host activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, softball and tennis.
- In 2026, the city will host the Asian Weightlifting Championship and the Archery Asia Para Cup.
- In 2029, Ahmedabad will stage the World Police and Fire Games across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Ekta Nagar.
- From November 22 to 30, 2026, Ahmedabad will host all Group D matches of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Infrastructure in both Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar:
- A multimodal transport hub is being built in Ahmedabad and state capital Gandhinagar, which includes Western Railway tracks and city bus services.
- Mega sports infrastructure has been planned in an area of one lakh square meters on SG Highway, which will connect areas like Ambli, Ghuma, Jodhpur, Shella and Vejalpur.
- Develop five small cities around Ahmedabad (Kalol, Sanand, Dahegam, Bareja, Mehmedabad) as satellite towns.
- At the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai where a 143-acre site is being transformed into a sports hub. It will house an athletics stadium and facility for hosting Rugby 7s and football.
- The Sabarmati riverfront currently under construction in Phase-II, could host water sports including a stretch of 2 km on the riverfront.
- The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is expected to complete its Gujarat section by December 2027 and the full stretch by December 2029.
- The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is undergoing a `3,130 crore expansion with a new terminal.
- Metro and BRTS extensions are on track, including a seven-kilometre sports-themed corridor from the Sabarmati Multimodal Hub to Koteshwar Metro Station. Road-widening projects around Naranpura and Motera are being advanced to improve access to stadiums.
- Accommodation facilities are also being scaled up. Land has been earmarked for Athletes’ Village with integrated housing, dining, healthcare and training amenities. Several hotels are being planned and upgraded near major sporting venues to meet international standards.
India last hosted the CWG in 2010. The General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport will decide the host country in the last week of November in Glasgow. India’s chances of bagging the event have brightened as Canada has pulled out of the race citing budgetary constraints.
The union cabinet, in a press release, has said that hosting the event in India would:
- Leave a lasting impact on tourism, creating jobs and inspiring millions of young athletes.
- A large number of professionals will be getting opportunities in Sports science, Event Operations and Management, Logistics and transport coordinators, Broadcast and media, IT and communications, public relations and communications.
- Hosting such a globally prestigious event will foster a strong sense of national pride and unity. It will provide a shared national experience and boost the morale of our Nation. It will inspire a new generation of athletes to enter into Sports as a career option and encourage greater participation in sports at all levels.
- It will inspire a new generation of athletes to enter into sports as a career option and encourage greater participation in sports at all levels.
