Glasgow (Scotland), Nov 26 (NationPress) Ahmedabad, India, has been officially designated as the host city for the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking a significant milestone for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. This will be the second occasion that India hosts the Commonwealth Games, the first being in New Delhi in 2010.

The decision underscores that the world's most populous nation will lead this landmark edition of the Games after representatives from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories ratified India's bid during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on Wednesday.

India presented a compelling vision for the 2030 Games, with Ahmedabad, Gujarat as the principal host city. This initiative builds on the legacy established by Glasgow 2026 and allows India to commemorate its centenary in an unforgettable manner.

Immediately after Ahmedabad was selected to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers performed spontaneously in the General Assembly Hall. Their lively cultural display astonished delegates and provided a preview of the heritage and pride that athletes and spectators can look forward to from a Games held in Gujarat, India.

Garba is the traditional folk dance of Gujarat. The performance featured members of Scotland’s Indian community alongside individuals from other Commonwealth regions, highlighting both diversity and unity within the Movement as it transitions from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to its Centenary edition.

The inaugural Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. In the recent Games in Birmingham, England, in 2022, Australia topped the medal tally, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.

Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, remarked, “This marks the beginning of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a 'Games reset', we are heading to Glasgow 2026 in excellent condition to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before focusing on Amdavad 2030 for a remarkable Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games.

“India offers scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, immense sporting passion, and relevance. I am thrilled to report strong interest from various nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond. We are embarking on our next century for the Commonwealth Games in great health.”

PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, stated, “We are profoundly honored by the faith placed in us by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will not only commemorate a hundred years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the groundwork for the next century. It will unite athletes, communities, and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”

Alongside the confirmation of the 2030 hosts, Commonwealth Sport announced that 15 to 17 sports will be featured at Amdavad 2030.

The Amdavad 2030 team will collaborate with Commonwealth Sport and the International Federation community to curate a vibrant and engaging sports program that resonates locally while appealing globally.

This will follow Commonwealth Sport’s recent Sport Programme Review, which outlines the sports included in the Commonwealth Games: Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball, and Boxing.

The process to finalize the remaining sports will commence next month, with the complete lineup for the Centenary Games announced next year.

Considered sports include: Archery, Badminton, 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon, Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. The host may also propose up to two new or existing sports.

Duncan Scott, multiple Commonwealth champion swimmer, shared, “The Commonwealth Games are a significant part of my career. Participating in the home Games is incredible, and I'm thrilled for Indian athletes who will have that opportunity in 2030. Everyone else will have a chance to broaden their horizons and experience the ambition and vibrancy of Amdavad and India. Competing in Gold Coast, Australia, as part of Team Scotland was a remarkable experience.

“We eagerly anticipate handing over the Games to Amdavad in excellent shape after welcoming everyone to Glasgow next year.”

Jaismine Lamboria, World Champion Boxer from India, expressed, “It is indeed a proud moment to see India being chosen as the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games. Amdavad will extend a warm and vibrant welcome to athletes and fans alike, and having the opportunity to compete on home soil in 2030 will serve as immense motivation for me and many others. The next decade looks promising for Indian sports.”