Ahmedabad Prepares for Commonwealth Games 2030 After Glasgow Flag Handover
Gujarat's Deputy CM Returns from Commonwealth Games
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 5: Harsh Sanghavi, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, arrived back in Ahmedabad late Tuesday night after representing the city at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. During the event, he officially accepted the Commonwealth Games flag and baton for Ahmedabad, which is set to host the 2030 edition.
Upon his return, Sanghavi addressed the media, expressing India's ambition to leverage its recent sporting achievements and strive for excellence when Ahmedabad hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
He stated, “Under PM Modi's leadership, the sports budget has been increased eightfold to support our athletes. The Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will be a significant event, and I extend my congratulations to all athletes on this occasion. We are committed to advancing PM Modi's vision of a 'Fit India.' The Gujarat government, in collaboration with the central government, is dedicated to providing ample opportunities for athletes in the sports sector.”
Sanghavi emphasized the importance of the support athletes have received, including international-level training through the TOPS initiative, which contributed to India securing the fourth position in the medal tally at the Commonwealth Games. He remarked, “Fit India is more than just a slogan; it embodies a lifestyle promoted by the PM. The 2030 Commonwealth Games present a tremendous opportunity, and we aim to achieve the top rank in the Games. Ahmedabad will set a new standard for hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030.”
As part of the official Indian delegation at the Glasgow Games, Sanghavi participated in the closing ceremony on August 2, alongside Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, to receive the Commonwealth Games flag, officially transferring hosting duties to Ahmedabad for the centenary edition in 2030.
During his time in Scotland, the Deputy Chief Minister led a Gujarat government delegation as part of the Future Host Observer Programme, examining Glasgow's execution of the multi-sport event, including venue management, logistics, and urban planning, to adopt best practices for Ahmedabad's preparations.
In a promotional effort for the 2030 Games, Sanghavi inaugurated the Ahmedabad Experience Centre and organized an India Day event, highlighting Gujarat's sports infrastructure and inviting representatives from the 74 Commonwealth nations to Ahmedabad.
He also engaged with members of the Indian contingent during the Games, presenting medals to various athletes, including those from the Indian boxing team, and congratulating them on their achievements.
India finished the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in fourth place overall, securing 39 medals—13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze—matching its fourth-place finish from Birmingham 2022, despite competing in a significantly reduced sports program.