Ahmedabad 2030 CWG: Gujarat Dy CM Sanghavi opens Ahmedabad Experience Centre in Glasgow
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on 30 July inaugurated the Ahmedabad Experience Centre in Glasgow, calling the 2030 Commonwealth Games — set to be hosted by Ahmedabad — 'a shared dream of the state and India's youth.' The centre, launched on the sidelines of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, is designed to give the global sporting community a preview of what India's first CWG hosting will look like.
Overwhelming Response at Glasgow
Sanghavi said the Ahmedabad Experience Centre has drawn significant interest since its opening. 'From July 30 till August 2, more than 5,000 registrations, world federations, and many athletes will be visiting here,' he said. The centre showcases India's sporting ambitions and cultural identity, with stalls representing authentic food and flavours from states across the country drawing consistent crowds.
'In the international fraternity, there is a demand for food from different states of India. Whether it is desserts, starters, or snacks, the crowd at the stalls of all the states shows that India is eager for people to come,' Sanghavi said.
Infrastructure and the National Games Legacy
Sanghavi pointed to Gujarat's track record as evidence of readiness, noting that the state had successfully organised the National Games in just 100 days — a feat he described as laying a strong foundation for the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030. He credited the rapid development of sports infrastructure in the region to a broader vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
'I would like to thank PM Modi and all the youth of the country who saw a vision, and through that vision, a very important sports infrastructure was developed in Gujarat,' Sanghavi said.
A Family Welcome, Not a Guest Protocol
Sanghavi's messaging was notably personal in tone, framing India's hosting not as a diplomatic exercise but as a cultural embrace. 'In 2030, not as guests, but as a family, I welcome all the sports fraternities of the world to India and Gujarat,' he said, extending a direct invitation to the global athletic community.
Notably, the 2030 Commonwealth Games will mark the centenary edition of the Games, adding historical weight to Ahmedabad's hosting rights. This comes amid a renewed push by India to position itself as a major global sporting destination, following its successful bids for several international tournaments in recent years.
What to Watch
The Ahmedabad Experience Centre remains open through 2 August, with world federation representatives and competing athletes expected to visit. The response from international sports bodies at Glasgow is being closely watched as a barometer of global confidence in India's 2030 preparations.