Commonwealth Games 2030, officially the XXIV Commonwealth Games, is expected to be hosted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. This will be the centenary edition of the Games and the second time India will host the Games after the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Ahmedabad has been chosen as the host city, which places India at the forefront of global sporting events and gives the country a world-class stage to showcase its infrastructure, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium, to the world. It also provides a sporting spectacle that will inspire young people and strengthen India’s partnerships with other nations at an international sporting level.

Commonwealth Games 2030 

The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad are expected to bring together athletes from 72 countries and territories that are members of the Commonwealth. Emphasizing values such as sportsmanship, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, the 2030 Commonwealth Games are a platform for elite competition in a variety of sports, with Ahmedabad and the neighbouring city of Gandhinagar hosting the majority of the games in the country of India. Ahmedabad is expected to rely on the nation’s infrastructure, as well as newly built venues, to accommodate the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

India was successful in its bid against another competitive shortlisted bid city, Abuja, Nigeria, as India’s bid was known for having better infrastructure, governance, and alignment with the values of the Commonwealth Games. The 2030 Games will also serve as a stepping stone for India’s sporting aspirations as India aims to host the Olympics in 2036.

Commonwealth Games Participating Countries List

The Commonwealth Games feature athletes from 72 countries and territories that are members of the Commonwealth. The member nations and territories represent a wide range of countries, mainly from the British Empire, as well as dependent territories and Crown Dependencies, and some island nations.

Commonwealth Games History

The Commonwealth Games are an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, similar to the Olympic Games but on a smaller scale. The Games were first held in 1930, as the British Empire Games, to foster goodwill and friendly competition between various countries of the British Empire. As the political landscape evolved and former colonies became independent nations, the name and purpose of the Games were adjusted to better represent the autonomy and equality of the member countries.

• 1930: The inaugural British Empire Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, with 11 participating countries.
• 1942 & 1946: The Games were not held due to World War II.
• 1954: The event was renamed the British Empire and Commonwealth Games to acknowledge the growing independence of the participating nations.
• 1970: The name was changed to British Commonwealth Games, dropping “Empire.”
• 1978: The Games were officially renamed the Commonwealth Games, symbolizing a more inclusive and equal participation of all member countries.
• 2010: India became the first country to host the Games in New Delhi.
• 2022: Birmingham hosted the 22nd edition of the Games.
• 2026: Glasgow is set to host the Games, reverting back to a 10-sport format.
• 2030: Ahmedabad, India, will host the 24th edition, marking 100 years of the Commonwealth Games.

How many times has India hosted the Commonwealth Games?

India has so far hosted the Commonwealth Games only once. The 2010 Commonwealth Games was hosted by India. Delhi 2010 were India’s first time hosting the Commonwealth Games and the second time the Games were held in Asia after Kuala Lumpur 1998.

• The Games were officially known as the XIX Commonwealth Games. The Games took place from 3 to 14 October 2010.
• The main stadium for the 2010 Games was the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.
• India won 38 gold, 27 silver, and 36 bronze medals for a total of 101. It was India’s best ever performance in Commonwealth Games history.
• India has been given the rights to host the Commonwealth Games for the second time in 2030. The Ahmedabad Commonwealth Games will be the centenary edition.
• This will be the second time India hosts the Commonwealth Games.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Key Facts about the Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games is a global multi-sport event featuring athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, with each member country sending teams to compete every four years. The Games started in 1930 as the British Empire Games and have since grown in terms of participation, sports, and global impact. Governed by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the event celebrates unity, fair play, and cultural diversity within the Commonwealth.

• Frequency: Hosted every four years.
• Participation: Involves countries and territories from the Commonwealth of Nations.
• History: Since 1930, 23 editions have been held.
• Anniversary: The 2030 Games in Ahmedabad, India, will be the centenary edition.
• Number of Host Cities: Hosted in 20 different cities.
• Number of Countries Hosting: Hosted in 9 different countries.
• Record for Hosting: Australia has hosted the Games five times, Canada four times, and New Zealand three times.
• Upcoming: The 2026 edition is scheduled to be held in Glasgow with a “Leaner, Greener and Smarter” 10-sport format.
• Past Event: The 2022 Birmingham Games were the 22nd edition.
• India: Hosted once in 2010 in New Delhi.
• Debut: 2010 Games in New Delhi marked India’s first time hosting.
• Asia: The 2010 New Delhi Games were only the second time the Games have been held in Asia, after Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
• Suspension: The Games have been suspended twice: during the Second World War in 1942 and 1946.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF