India and Nigeria have formally submitted proposals to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, Commonwealth Sport confirmed on Monday. The bids were lodged ahead of the August 31 deadline, giving fresh momentum to the future of the multi-sport event.
Canada, which staged the inaugural Games in Hamilton in 1930, was widely expected to make a centenary bid but opted not to enter the race.
Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare welcomed the submissions, describing them as evidence of the Games’ enduring relevance. “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,” he said in a statement.
India’s bid forms part of its wider sporting ambitions, including a long-term goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. Both India and Nigeria were commended by Rukare for their “dynamic and ambitious spirit” during the Games’ collaborative dialogue phase.
“The Commonwealth Sport team has been inspired by the National Sports Policies presented and excited about how the Games can advance national ambitions and create legacy benefits for local communities,” he added.
The twin bids mark a positive development for the Commonwealth Games movement, which has faced uncertainty in recent years. Scotland is set to host a scaled-down Games in Glasgow in 2026, after Australia’s Victoria withdrew as host citing rising costs. Similarly, the 2022 Games were hastily relocated to Birmingham after Durban, South Africa, pulled out due to financial challenges.
The decision on the 2030 host is expected to be keenly watched, as the Games celebrate 100 years of competition amid efforts to secure their long-term future.
Melissa Enoch
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