India has announced plans to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, framing the move as part of its broader ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha confirmed on Wednesday that preparations were underway, following a meeting reported by local media. Potential host cities under consideration include New Delhi, which staged the 2010 Games but was marred by construction delays, substandard infrastructure, and corruption allegations; Bhubaneswar in Odisha; and Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state capital and site of the world’s largest cricket stadium, the 130,000-seater Narendra Modi Stadium, which hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup final.
India submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee last year for the 2036 Games. The country has previously hosted multiple cricket World Cups, twice staged the Asian Games, and will co-host the Women’s Cricket World Cup in September.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games faced a crisis after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew due to cost concerns, prompting Glasgow to step in to host a scaled-down edition. Nigeria and at least two other nations have also expressed interest in staging the 2030 Games.
Following IOA approval, India has until the end of August to submit its formal bid, with the final decision expected in November in Glasgow.
If successful, IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal said India’s edition would be a “full-fledged” Games, featuring sports where the country is most competitive, including traditional tag-type events like kabaddi and kho kho, which India hopes to promote for Olympic inclusion.
Despite a population of 1.4 billion, India has won only 10 Olympic gold medals in its history.
