Ahmedabad, Nov 27 (NationPress) Olympian backstroke swimmer Maana Patel shared her enthusiasm as her hometown was officially designated as the venue for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG). She acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for laying a robust foundation for sports infrastructure in Gujarat.

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking the return of this prestigious multisport event to India after a two-decade hiatus.

The selection affirms that the world's most populous country is set to host this landmark edition of the Games, following a vote by representatives from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.

"I am incredibly proud that Ahmedabad will be the host of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. India last held the CWG in 2010 in New Delhi, and now, after two decades, my city will have the chance to host such a significant multisport event. It truly excites me to witness the city where I grew up accomplish something so monumental," said Maana, the first Indian female swimmer to qualify for the Olympics in 2021, in an interview with IANS.

“Modi ji established a solid groundwork for sports in Gujarat during his tenure as Chief Minister. He initiated Khel Mahakumbh, which has since evolved into Khelo India. His contributions to Gujarat—be it in sports development or women's empowerment—have always been significant. Thanks to these initiatives, many girls have been inspired to pursue sports,” she remarked.

"As a result, Ahmedabad has seen exceptional growth in sports infrastructure, including the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. The city now boasts excellent sports facilities, and it fills me with genuine pride to see how far we’ve progressed," Maana added.

In September of this year, the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad, was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Built at a cost of Rs 825 crore, this state-of-the-art facility spans 21 acres.

It features an aquatics stadium, a sports center of excellence, an indoor multi-sports arena, outdoor courts, a community sports center, and a Fit India zone. It provides training, coaching, fitness, and yoga opportunities for both athletes and residents.

Alongside confirming Ahmedabad as the host for 2030, Commonwealth Sport also announced that 15 to 17 sports will be included in the Ahmedabad 2030 program.

The recently concluded Sport Programme Review detailed the sports set to be featured at 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 full lineup for the Centenary Games expected to be announced next year. The host city can also propose up to two new or traditional sports.

Some sports under consideration 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.