India has officially been confirmed as the host of the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, edging out Nigeria’s Abuja in a tightly contested race that went down to the wire.
The city of Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat, was selected ahead of Nigeria’s capital by the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport on Wednesday. The decision will be formally ratified at the organization’s General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
The announcement marks the Games’ return to India for the first time since Delhi 2010.
A Historic Win for India
Reacting to the news, Dr. P. T. Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said the 2030 edition would serve as a symbol of national unity and youth empowerment.
“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 stated.
Ahmedabad’s bid highlighted its world-class infrastructure, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest sports venue with a 132,000 capacity, which hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. With a population exceeding five million and a fast-growing sports profile, Ahmedabad has even been touted as a potential future Olympic host city.
Nigeria’s Missed Opportunity
For Nigeria, the result is a setback in its ambition to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa for the first time in the competition’s 100-year history. Abuja’s proposal had received strong backing from President Bola Tinubu, who declared full government support in July 2025.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee formally submitted its expression of interest on March 28, 2025, describing Abuja’s bid as “a compelling narrative for the nation’s progress and readiness.” In August 2025, a high-level Nigerian delegation met with Commonwealth Games Federation officials in London to make a final case.
Despite this, Nigeria’s capital fell short, marking the second time Abuja has lost a bid, the first being to Glasgow in 2014.
Commonwealth Sport’s Response
According to Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, the interest from India and Nigeria demonstrates the event’s continued global appeal.
“This positive response from two sporting powerhouse nations underscores the Games’ enduring legacy potential and the strength of our reimagined, sustainable model,” Rukare said.
The governing body added that it would continue working with Nigeria to develop a pathway for future hosting, potentially in 2034.
“The Executive Board has agreed to develop a strategy to support and accelerate Nigeria’s hosting ambitions,” Commonwealth Sport said in a statement.
A Century of the Commonwealth Games
The 2030 Games will commemorate 100 years since the first edition, held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. Ahmedabad’s selection is expected to provide much-needed stability to the Commonwealth Games movement after the withdrawals of Victoria (2026) and Durban (2022).
With India’s victory, the Commonwealth’s centenary celebration returns to Asia, but for Nigeria and Africa, the dream of hosting the Games will have to wait a little longer.
