India’s Ahmedabad WINS Host Recommendation, Edging Out Abuja; Nigeria Eyes 2034 Bid

India has secured a significant victory in global sports hosting, with the city of Amdavad (Ahmedabad) being recommended as the host for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, successfully edging out a strong rival bid from Abuja, Nigeria.

The decision was announced by the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport on Wednesday, marking a major milestone for the movement as it prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Games. Amdavad’s proposal will now be put forward for formal ratification by the full membership at the General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26, 2025, a decision widely regarded as a formality.

Dr. Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, stated that both India and Nigeria presented “inspiring proposals,” but the Board ultimately recommended Amdavad, describing the selection as a “significant milestone” for the next century of Commonwealth sport. This will be the second time India has hosted the event, following the 2010 Games in New Delhi. The Amdavad bid was lauded for its focus on innovation, sustainability, and its tie-in with India’s long-term national development goals.

For Nigeria, the announcement is a disappointment, as the nation was hoping to become the first African country to host the Centenary Games. However, Commonwealth Sport was quick to offer encouragement, praising the “vision and ambition” of the Abuja bid. Officials confirmed a commitment to continue collaborating with Nigeria to advance its hosting aspirations, with a view to potential consideration for the 2034 Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Shehu Dikko, acknowledged the disappointment but maintained pride in the country’s ambitious effort. He stressed that the proposal reflected a national consensus to use sport as a driver for economic growth and unity, adding that the country would build on this foundation as it pursues its hosting ambitions for 2034.

The successful Indian bid is also viewed as a crucial strategic step in the country’s larger objective of hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Amdavad being the proposed host city for the global spectacle.