Nigeria eyes 2034 Commonwealth Games hosting right as India tipped to host 2030 edition

The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has confirmed that it will recommend Amdavad, India, as the proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.

Amdavad, also known as Ahmedabad in Gujarat State, will be presented to the full Commonwealth Sport membership for approval, with a final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025.

The recommendation follows an extensive evaluation process that assessed both Amdavad and Abuja, Nigeria, across criteria including infrastructure, governance, athlete experience, and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values. The process was guided by the “Games Reset” principles, designed to inspire innovation and collaboration among host cities.

The 2030 Games will mark the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

Dr Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, said: “We are grateful to both India and Nigeria for the vision and commitment they have shown in developing proposals to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Both proposals were inspiring, reflecting the scale of opportunity within our Commonwealth family. The Executive Board has carefully considered the Evaluation Committee’s findings and is recommending Amdavad to our membership. This is a significant milestone for the Movement as we look to our Centenary Games, and we now look ahead to the General Assembly in Glasgow, where our members will make the final decision.”

He added, “The Board were impressed with the vision and ambition of Nigeria’s proposal and was united in our commitment to continue working with their team to explore future hosting opportunities. This decision reflects our determination to take the Commonwealth Games to the African continent.”

Dr P. T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said: “It would be an extraordinary honour for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad. The Games would not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Although Nigeria missed out on the 2030 Games, the Commonwealth Sport Board pledged to support its ambitions for future editions, including consideration for the 2034 Games.

The Honourable Shehu Dikko, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, said: “While we are, of course, disappointed not to have been recommended as host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, we are proud of the proposal… Our proposal demonstrated vision and unity in line with the ongoing reforms and reset of the Nigerian Sports Sector.”

Katie Sadleir CNZM, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, described the decision as “strategically important,” saying it “sets a clear direction for the years ahead” and will ensure the Games continue to evolve and impact communities across the Commonwealth.