Commonwealth Delegation Evaluates Preparations for 2030 Games in Ahmedabad

A high-level Commonwealth delegation, including sport officials and Olympic medallists, visited Ahmedabad to evaluate the city's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The team toured the Vijayi Bharat Foundation, praising its grassroots initiatives and commitment to gender equity in sports. This visit is crucial for assessing infrastructure and planning for the centenary Games, which could enhance India's prospects for hosting the 2036 Olympics. The 2030 Games will commemorate 100 years since the inaugural event in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930, marking a significant milestone in Commonwealth sports history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 14:29 IST

Commonwealth Delegation Reviews 2030 Games Preparations

On April 9, 2026, Ann Louise Morgan, the Director of Sport for Commonwealth Sport, along with Neil Carney, a Technical Consultant, visited the Vijayi Bharat Foundation (VBF) in Ahmedabad. Their visit aimed to tour the facility and gain insights into its operations. This delegation is part of a high-level team assessing the preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, following the official announcement of Ahmedabad as the host city for the Centenary Games.

Inspection of Vijayi Bharat Foundation

During their visit, Morgan and Carney were joined by Olympic medallist Gagan Narang, along with VBF Directors Durgesh Agarwal and Dilip Thaker. They explored the VBF campus, which includes the High-Performance Centre (HPC) and various Fields of Play (FOPs). The delegation praised VBF for its grassroots initiative, Khele Sanand, and highlighted the organization's commitment to gender equity in its high-performance programs, particularly in supporting young female athletes.

Overall Assessment and Future Significance

The delegation, led by Dr. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, is currently evaluating Ahmedabad's infrastructure, planning timelines, and assessing venue suitability. This visit is part of the initial coordination efforts with local authorities and the host nation. The 2030 Commonwealth Games will celebrate the centenary of the event and are anticipated to enhance India's chances of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The International Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed that Commonwealth Sport awarded Ahmedabad the hosting rights for the 2030 centenary Games, commemorating 100 years since the inaugural Games held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

Historical Context

The first Commonwealth Games took place in 1930 in Hamilton, featuring a limited number of participating countries. In contrast, the most recent Games held in Birmingham, England, in 2022 saw Australia leading the medal tally, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.