Ahmedabad was formally awarded hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during Commonwealth Sport's general assembly here on Wednesday, paving the way for the multi-sport event's return to the country after two decades.
It was a mere formality for the general assembly of 74 members to put a seal of approval on India's bid after Ahmedabad was recommended as the proposed host of the centenary edition by the Commonwealth Sport's Executive Board last month. India last hosted the CWG in 2010 in Delhi. The Executive Board's recommendation followed a process overseen by the Commonwealth Sport's Evaluation Committee.
"India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance...We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health," said Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport. The decision also bolstered India's ambition to be an Olympic host in 2036.
Ahmedabad, the city which is in the race for Olympic hosting rights as well, has upgraded its sports infrastructure on a war footing in the last one decade. India was facing competition from the Nigerian city of Abuja for the 2030 bid. But Commonwealth Sport decided to instead consider the African nation for the 2034 edition.
For the 2010 Delhi Games, India had spent close to Rs 70,000 crore to host the 2010 edition of the Games, far exceeding the initial estimate of Rs 1,600 crore. The quadrennial event has been struggling to stay relevant and find willing hosts for a while.
"We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the foundation for the next century," PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India and the IOA, said. "It will bring together athletes, communities and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress," she added.
2030 Games to feature 15-17 disciplines
Commonwealth Sport also confirmed that 15 to 17 sports will feature at the 2030 Games. "The Amdavad 2030 team will work closely with Commonwealth Sport and the International Federation community to shape a dynamic and exciting sport programme with strong local resonance and global appeal," it stated.
Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball and Boxing are the confirmed disciplines.
The process to finalise the remainder of the programme will start next month, and the full Centenary Games line-up will be announced next year. The sports under consideration are: Archery, Badminton, 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon and Para Triathlon and Wrestling. "The host can also propose up to two new or traditional sports," Commonwealth Sport added.
Proud moment: Mandaviya
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Commonwealth Sport's decision to award the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games to Ahmedabad is a prestigious moment for the country as it strives to become a sporting powerhouse by 2047. "India is capable of hosting major events and will be among top-five sporting nations by 2047," he said.
Also read: India set to formally get hosting rights for CWG 2030
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