Nigeria’s long-held ambition to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa has suffered another setback after the Indian city of Ahmedabad was selected ahead of Abuja to host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.
Following a competitive bid process, the evaluation commission of Commonwealth Sport opted for Ahmedabad, a rapidly growing metropolis in western India, marking the second time that Nigeria’s capital has lost out on staging the Games. Abuja was also unsuccessful in its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were awarded to Glasgow.
Ahmedabad will now welcome athletes from over 70 Commonwealth nations and territories in what will be a historic centenary celebration of the multi-sport event when it takes place in 2030. The city is home to the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest sports arena with a capacity of 132,000, and has rapidly advanced its infrastructure to support major global sporting events.
Dr. P. T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, described the selection as “a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth and strengthen international partnerships across the Commonwealth.”
Despite the disappointment, Commonwealth Sport officials noted they would work with Nigeria to “accelerate its hosting ambitions” and consider Abuja for the 2034 Commonwealth Games, offering a renewed opportunity for Africa to finally host the Games for the first time in its history.
The 2030 edition holds special significance as it marks 100 years since the inaugural Commonwealth Games were held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930, a milestone the movement hopes to celebrate with broad participation and global engagement.
