New Delhi: In a bold move, India is stepping forward with confidence to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite facing competition from Canada and Nigeria. This bid comes at a time when the Commonwealth Games have been grappling with finding a stable host, following Victoria, Australia’s withdrawal due to escalating costs. As Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expresses his optimism, India aims not only to secure this prestigious event but also to position itself as a prime candidate for the 2036 Olympics.
India’s determination to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games is underscored by the recent submissions of Expressions of Interest from Canada and Nigeria before the March 31 deadline. The forthcoming edition of the Games in 2026 has undergone significant changes, with Glasgow stepping in to host a reduced program, dropping key sports like boxing, wrestling, hockey, and shooting. However, if India succeeds in its bid, it plans to revive a full-fledged sports program, incorporating the dropped disciplines.
Hosting the Commonwealth Games would be a crucial milestone for India, as it seeks to demonstrate its capability to organize large-scale international events. This capability is essential for India’s long-term ambition of staging the 2036 Olympics. Consultations are already underway with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and India is preparing to present its case once the new IOC president assumes office in June.
Beyond the sports arena, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is launching several initiatives aimed at fostering national integration and social upliftment. To commemorate Dr. B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, Jai Bhim Yatras will be organized across all state capitals. Furthermore, the Viksit Vibrant Village Campaign will engage youth volunteers in promoting cultural understanding and national integration by visiting 100 border villages.
