New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Jay Shah, the Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressed his heartfelt congratulations to India for receiving the recommendation to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, deeming it a significant milestone for Indian sports.

The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board confirmed on Wednesday that it would put forward Ahmedabad as the candidate city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.

Shah shared on X, "Heartfelt congratulations to India for the Commonwealth Association’s endorsement of our bid to host the #CommonwealthGames 2030 in Ahmedabad! This marks a pivotal moment for Indian sports and underscores the nation’s expanding global stature! #CWG2030 #India2030."

The selection of Ahmedabad came after a comprehensive evaluation process managed by the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which analyzed candidate cities based on various criteria such as technical execution, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance, and adherence to Commonwealth Sport principles.

Guided by Commonwealth Sport’s ‘Games Reset’ strategies aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration among potential hosts, both Ahmedabad, India, and Abuja, Nigeria, presented persuasive bids that highlight the aspirations and promise of the Commonwealth Sport Movement.

This recommendation signifies a groundbreaking moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The upcoming 2030 Games will commemorate the centenary of the inaugural event that took place in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

As the most populous nation in the Commonwealth, India boasts a rich sporting legacy and has a commendable track record in the Commonwealth Games, finishing fourth on the medal tally at Birmingham 2022. Ahmedabad's proposal showcases India’s dedication to the Commonwealth values and its ability to host a Games that reflects the magnitude and diversity of contemporary sports.

P T Usha, the President of Commonwealth Games Association of India, remarked, "Hosting the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad would be an incredible honor for India. This event would not only highlight India’s top-notch sporting and event management capabilities but also play a significant role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

"We envision the 2030 Games as a tremendous opportunity to motivate our youth, foster international collaborations, and contribute towards a united future across the Commonwealth."