India Competes for 2030 Commonwealth Games: Who Are the Rivals?
India's Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games
London: India is set to face stiff competition from Canada, Nigeria, and two other nations in its quest to host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, as announced by Commonwealth Sport (CWS) on Wednesday.
This announcement follows a report from a prominent sports ministry source, indicating that India has submitted its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, while also aiming for the 2036 Olympics.
CWS revealed that they have received 'Expressions of Interest' (EOIs) from Canada and Nigeria, along with two unnamed countries, for the 2030 Games.
In total, seven nations have shown interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games, with five focusing specifically on the centenary edition. Additionally, New Zealand is among the two countries interested in hosting the 2034 Games.
"The EOIs have come from regions including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Canada, India, and Nigeria have publicly confirmed their EOIs for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with two more nations also expressing interest," stated CWS.
"Two EOIs are aimed at future Games, including New Zealand, which has previously indicated a desire to host the 2034 edition," the statement continued.
Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, expressed excitement over the significant interest in hosting the Games.
"This enthusiastic response from four of our six regions highlights the importance of the Commonwealth Games as a major multi-sport event, alongside the Olympic Games and Paralympics, showcasing the appeal of our reimagined Games model," she remarked.
The future of the Commonwealth Games had been in jeopardy recently, particularly after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from hosting the 2026 Games due to budget issues. Glasgow stepped in to save the event, albeit with numerous changes to the games program.
The initial hosting cost for the Games in Victoria was projected at 2.6 billion Australian dollars.
"Scotland's role in this transition cannot be overstated; their foresight and innovative approach have allowed Glasgow to host the Games in 2026 within a very tight timeframe, building on the legacy of Glasgow 2014," Sadleir noted.
"Glasgow 2026 will serve as a bridge to the future Games, marking a crucial step in our journey to redefine the Games as a collaborative, flexible, and sustainable model for major events," she added.
All bids are submitted individually, with India last hosting the Games in 2010 in New Delhi.
The deadline for submitting the 'Expression of Interest' to host the Games was March 31, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sent India's letter following sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya's assertion of the country's interest in hosting the 2030 Games.