India Faces Competition for 2030 Commonwealth Games Hosting Bid

India's Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games

India is gearing up for stiff competition in its pursuit to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, with Canada and Nigeria both expressing their interest ahead of the deadline for submissions, which was March 31.

The announcement of the host nation will take place in November during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly, with all interested nations required to submit their formal proposals by August 31.

According to GamesBids.com, Canada's expression of interest is supported by the federal government along with four provincial governments, and the Games are anticipated to be held in multiple cities across the country.

A notable aspect of Canada's bid is that if successful, it would mark the centenary edition of the Games, as Canada was the original host of the inaugural event in 1930, then known as the British Empire Games, held in Hamilton.

The Commonwealth Games have faced challenges recently, particularly after Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to escalating costs. Glasgow has stepped in to host the upcoming edition, albeit with a reduced number of sports disciplines, excluding boxing, wrestling, hockey, cricket, badminton, and shooting.

Chris Jenkins, president of Commonwealth Sport, has visited India twice over the past two years to assess the country's interest in hosting the Games, suggesting that he views India as a significant player for the Commonwealth Games at least until 2034.

Officials from the sports ministry have remained optimistic about India's chances of hosting the Games, especially given the lack of other contenders. However, the entries from Canada and Nigeria complicate India's position.

Securing the 2030 edition is seen as a crucial step for India, which has also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.