India Gears Up for 2030 Commonwealth Games After Successful Glasgow Campaign
Looking Ahead to the 2030 Commonwealth Games
As the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow come to a close, Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao have already set their sights on the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. They expressed optimism that this event will mark a transformative period for sports in India.
In a statement made prior to the closing ceremony, Sanghavi noted that the transfer of the Commonwealth Games flag and Host Baton to Ahmedabad signifies the official start of India's preparations for the centenary edition of the Games in 2030.
Sanghavi highlighted that while the closing ceremony unfolds in Glasgow, it will also showcase Indian culture to the world, with local artists representing the nation on this global stage. He emphasized that although the 2026 Games are ending, the journey towards the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad begins now.
The Deputy Chief Minister remarked that the 2030 Games will provide a significant platform for countless young athletes in India. He pointed out that as Indian athletes continue to excel, Prime Minister Modi has significantly increased the sports budget to enhance performance further. A new campaign aimed at promoting fitness and combating substance abuse among youth underscores India's commitment to a healthier future.
Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, stated that hosting the Commonwealth Games is a crucial step in India's broader sporting ambitions, including the goal of hosting the Olympics in the future.
Rao confirmed that Ahmedabad will host the next Commonwealth Games in 2030 and expressed hope that India will achieve its vision of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, with a strong emphasis on sports.
The closing ceremony will feature the ceremonial handover of the Commonwealth Games flag and Host Baton from Glasgow to Ahmedabad, officially designating the Indian city as the host for the landmark 2030 Games.
India concluded its participation in the Glasgow Games with a commendable performance, finishing fourth in the medal tally with a total of 39 medals—13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze. Australia led the standings with 170 medals, including 70 gold.
While India's overall medal count was lower than the 61 medals earned at Birmingham 2022, the Glasgow campaign was notable for its smaller contingent of 122 athletes, compared to 210 in the previous Games. Notably, distance runner Gulveer Singh contributed two medals, showcasing an improved medal conversion rate of approximately 31% compared to 29% at the last Games.
The Indian boxing team made history by securing 10 medals, including seven gold and three silver. Athletics added another 10 medals, while Para Athletics contributed six. Weightlifting brought home eight medals, judo secured four, and Jhandu Kumar earned the country's only powerlifting medal with a bronze.
With the competition now concluded for all Indian athletes, the focus shifts from Glasgow to Ahmedabad, where preparations will commence for the Commonwealth Games, marking India's first hosting since Delhi 2010 and the centenary edition of this multi-sport event in 2030.