Nigeria and India have officially emerged as the two nations vying to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, after successfully meeting the August 31 deadline for bid submissions. This sets the stage for a historic contest between two former British colonies with rich sporting traditions.
Abuja and Ahmedabad Named Host Cities
Nigeria has put forward Abuja, the nation’s capital, as its preferred host city, while India has chosen Ahmedabad, one of its major sporting and cultural hubs.
The confirmation of the bids was announced by Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, who praised the enthusiasm from the two countries. In his words, “This positive response from two sporting powerhouse nations of the Commonwealth demonstrates the continued significance and legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games and the strength and appeal of our reimagined, sustainable Games model.”
Rukare further noted that this comes after “unprecedented, diverse and wide-ranging expressions of interest in hosting the Games in 2030 and beyond.”
Review and Evaluation Process
The submitted proposals will now undergo scrutiny by an evaluation commission, which will meet the bid teams in London at the end of September.
The commission will be chaired by Sandra Osborne, vice president of the organisation. Other key figures include Helen Phillips, a member of the executive board, Brendan Williams, chair of the Athletes’ Advisory Commission, and Ian Reid, vice chair of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company.
Following its review, the commission will report back to the Commonwealth Sport executive board. The board will then recommend an option to the General Assembly, where 74 member nations are expected to vote in November during a gathering in Glasgow, Scotland.
A Landmark Opportunity for Africa
If Nigeria secures the hosting rights, it would mark the first time an African country hosts the Commonwealth Games. This would be a defining moment not only for Nigeria but for the continent as a whole.
Nigeria has previously attempted to bring the Games to its shores, with an unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 edition, which eventually went to Glasgow. South Africa also once showed interest, but financial challenges forced the country to withdraw from hosting the 2022 edition.
India’s Second Attempt at Hosting
For India, winning the bid would mark its second time hosting the Games, following New Delhi’s successful staging in 2010. With Ahmedabad positioned as a modern sporting destination, the Asian giant is keen to leverage its experience and infrastructure to secure the hosting rights again.
The Race Towards 2030
Back in April, Commonwealth Sport revealed that seven regions initially expressed interest in hosting the event, with five specifically targeting 2030. The final shortlist of Nigeria and India now sets up a fascinating contest, with both countries eager to showcase their capacity, heritage, and vision for the Games.
The final decision in November will determine whether the Commonwealth Games return to Asia after 20 years or make history with a groundbreaking debut in Africa.
