Major sporting event saved from extinction as India steps in to host centenary edition
A city has emerged as the recommended host for the 2030 Comm Games, breathing new life into the event's uncertain future.
India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, as the event is saved from extinction.
The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has confirmed it will recommend Ahmedabad as the proposed host city for the Centenary Games in five years.
Ahmedabad has won the battle ahead of Abuja in Nigeria, The Sun reports.
But it is subject to full approval at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
Glasgow stepped in to stage the event in 2026 when Victoria, Australia, pulled out unexpectedly due to budget blowouts.
But next summer’s schedule has been significantly reduced, with several sports missing out, to avoid rising costs.
There had been genuine concerns that the tournament could disappear altogether, with several candidate cities deciding not to submit bids amid fears that the concept had lost its meaning in the 21st century.
Delhi hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but the event was marred by financial problems, venue difficulties, and numerous serious issues in the Athletes’ Village.
There was one bizarre incident when England sprinter Mark Lewis-Francis discovered his trainers had been stolen when he switched to spikes for the opening round of his 100 metres campaign in the athletics stadium.
The 1930 Empire Games were held in Hamilton, Canada. If Ahmedabad delivers on its promise, it will extend the legacy of the Commonwealths, which had looked to become defunct.
India is the most populous nation in the Commonwealth and finished fourth on the medal table at Birmingham 2022 with 61 medals, of which 22 were golds.
“The Executive Board has carefully considered the Evaluation Committee’s findings and is recommending Ahmedabad to our membership,” Dr Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, said.
“This is a significant milestone for the Movement as we look to our Centenary Games, and we now look ahead to the General Assembly in Glasgow, where our members will make the final decision.”
“India being recommended to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030 is a proud milestone in India’s journey as a global sporting powerhouse,” shared Nita M. Ambani, Founder Chairperson, Reliance Foundation.
“It’s a celebration of our nation’s sporting spirit and talent.
“My heartfelt gratitude to our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for his visionary leadership and steadfast support in making this historic bid.
“This moment marks another step forward towards our shared dream of bringing the Olympic Games to India.”
This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been reproduced with permission.
Originally published as Major sporting event saved from extinction as India steps in to host centenary edition
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