New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) The President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, has commended the robust political support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership in Gujarat, expressing strong assurance that India's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games are progressing well.

During a recent visit, Rukare noted significant advancements in Gujarat, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad and Delhi, where several world-class facilities are operational and more are in the works, heightening optimism about India’s readiness.

“We have witnessed an unparalleled level of political commitment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Deputy Chief Minister, and our colleagues in the Indian Commonwealth Games Association, including Madam President PT Usha. We are excited that preparations are on track as we advance toward 2030, following the conclusion of the 2026 Games in August this year,” Rukare stated in an interview with IANS.

The delegation's extensive tour from April 8 to April 10 covered major venues and infrastructure in Amdavad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Ekta Nagar. This included inspections of key competition sites such as the Mahatma Mandir, Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, and IIT Gandhinagar, along with discussions with senior officials from the Gujarat government and city authorities.

Rukare indicated that the formal transition process will kick off after the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the baton officially handed over to Indian authorities in August during the Glasgow closing ceremony.

“Based on our observations thus far, it is clear that substantial progress has been made, and we are embarking on an exciting journey. We plan to be in Glasgow in July to collect the games, and on August 2, when we conclude the games, we will officially pass the baton to our colleagues in India, particularly in Ahmedabad, marking the start of our preparations for 2030. The existing world-class facilities, along with those in development, give us immense confidence,” he added.

Rukare also highlighted the upcoming 2026 Glasgow Games, which will feature a compact 10-sport program with integrated para-sports across four venues, building on the legacy of the 2014 Games. He noted that the Glasgow Games will act as a precursor to the 2027 Youth Games in Malta, before India embarks on comprehensive preparations for the 2030 edition.

“The Glasgow Games will be distinct; we have a 10-sport program that includes para-integration across four venue sites, continuing the legacy established by the 2014 Games in Glasgow. We anticipate that these Games will be exceptional and will serve as a bridge to the Youth Games in Malta in 2027. Following that, we will initiate preparations for what promises to be an equally spectacular event here in India, particularly in Gujarat and Ahmedabad, which is expected to feature a sports program comprising approximately 15 to 17 sports, celebrating our centenary Games and welcoming athletes from 74 countries and territories,” he concluded.