After submitting a letter of intent to host the 2036 Olympics last October, India has now initiated informal discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to bring the 2030 Commonwealth Games to the country.
Unlike the 2010 edition held in New Delhi, Ahmedabad has emerged as the frontrunner, with Bhubaneswar also under consideration, according to officials involved in the discussions.
Last week, CGF President Chris Jenkins and Chief Executive Katie Sadlier toured multiple Indian cities, meeting government officials in Gandhinagar, Bhubaneswar, and New Delhi. They also inspected potential venues in Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar.
On the sidelines of the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, Jenkins discussed India’s possible bid with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha. The IOA also oversees the Commonwealth Games in India.
Jenkins reportedly outlined the bid timelines, setting March 31 as the deadline for submitting an official Expression of Interest (EOI). “CGF President Chris Jenkins was recently invited to attend the opening ceremony of the National Games in India, taking this opportunity to continue to strengthen ties between India, Commonwealth Games India, and Commonwealth Sport. The CGF recently put out the call for expressions of interest for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond, and during his visit to India, President Jenkins had some informal chats around this process.” CGF said in a statement to The Indian Express.
To make hosting more feasible, the CGF has introduced new models that eliminate the need for dedicated athlete villages and new venue constructions. Indian officials estimate this could cut costs by “almost 60 percent.”
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