India will host the CWG 2030 in Ahmedabad, twenty years after the last Delhi edition in 2010. The event will commemorate 100 years since the first Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

Strategic Goal 

• Dress Rehearsal for the 2036 Olympics: Hosting CWG 2030 is a strategy to prepare for the 2036 Olympics. 
• India’s 2036 Olympic Push: With a Letter of Intent submitted for the 2036 Olympics, India plans to use the CWG as a “dress rehearsal” to showcase its readiness, with Ahmedabad leading the proposed bid.
• India’s Broader Aim: India aims to become a Global Sports Destination.

Global Decline of the Commonwealth Games

• Historical Context: The CWG was formerly known as the British Empire Games, symbolizing Imperial Unity. In the post-colonial world, its relevance has faded.
• Recent Withdrawals and Crises:
  • 2022: Durban (South Africa) backed out; Birmingham hosted last minute.
  • 2026: Victoria (Australia) pulled out due to cost. Alberta (Canada) also withdrew, citing unexpected high expenses. Glasgow (UK) stepped in to save the games’ reputation.
• India’s Past Skepticism: In 2019, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, Narendra Batra, called the CWG “sub-standard” and suggested India withdraw due to the low level of competition.
• Failures of the 2010 Delhi CWG: When India previously hosted in 2010, there were major issues, including corruption allegations (Kalmadi Scam), incompetence, collapsing infrastructure, and cleaning problems.

Reasons India is Taking the Risk

• Soft Power Diplomacy: India aims to use sports as an instrument of soft power, in line with Joseph Nye’s concept, to enhance its global stature and project itself as a “Global Manager.” 
  • This strategy seeks to move India beyond the image of being merely a cricket-centric nation.
• Sports Culture Development: Big events, strengthened by heroes like Neeraj Chopra, inspire new generations and help develop a domestic sports culture.
• Infrastructure Uplift: Hosting triggers development of roads, metros, hotels, and stadiums, offering long-term benefits to the public

Challenges

• Low Competition: Major sports giants like the USA, China, and Russia do not participate, reducing the level of competition.
• Medal Illusion: India has won 61, 66, 64, 101 medals in the last four editions, but in the subsequent Olympics, it has secured just six, seven, two and six medals, respectively. 
• Cost Concerns: The financial outlay for the CWG should be kept in mind too, for costs can be prohibitive.
• Shrinking Disciplines: Glasgow (2026) cut sports like Badminton, Hockey, Cricket, and Shooting to save money, hosting only 10 disciplines, reducing the event’s overall value.
• Doping Concerns: India is among the top violators in reports published by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Doping among host athletes would be highly embarrassing.

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Conclusion

As Nelson Mandela noted, “Sports have the power to inspire and unite the world.” Hosting the CWG 2030 should be India’s “perfect pitch” for the 2036 Olympics, showcasing world-class infrastructure, inclusive culture, and national confidence—not just medal counts.

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