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’ time.
Ahmedabad has won the battle ahead of Abuja in Nigeria.
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 State in Australia pulled out unexpectedly due to budget blowouts.
But next summer’s schedule has been stripped back and is slimmed down, with several sports missing out, to avoid rising costs.
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There had been genuine concerns that the tournament could disappear altogether with several candidate cities deciding not to submit bids amid fears the concept has lost its meaning in the 21st century.
Delhi staged the 2010 Commonwealths but it was marred by financial problems, venue difficulties and many serious problems 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 100metres campaign in the athletics stadium.
The 1930 Empire Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, and should Ahmedabad deliver 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.
Dr Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, said: “The Executive Board has carefully considered the Evaluation Committee’s findings and is recommending Ahmedabad to our membership.
“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.”
