ABUJA AND AHMEDABAD RACE TO HOST 2030 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

By: Gyang Dakwo

The race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games has narrowed to two cities, Abuja in Nigeria and Ahmedabad in India, as the deadline for submissions comes this Sunday, August 31.

The Commonwealth Games Federation says other regions have shown interest, but only Nigeria and India have made their plans public and set up official bid teams. Both countries must now submit their bid documents and government guarantees before the final vote at the Federation’s General Assembly in November.

Canada pulled out earlier in the year after the province of Ontario withdrew financial support. Australia also stepped away after cancelling its hosting of the 2026 Games. That forced Victoria to pay a penalty, while Glasgow in Scotland agreed to take on a lighter version of the 2026 Games at short notice

Nigeria is making its second attempt to host the Games after losing to Glasgow when bidding for the 2014 edition

Officials from the National Sports Commission and the Nigerian Olympic Committee visited the Federation’s London headquarters two weeks ago to discuss Abuja’s goals, the rules for candidate cities and the timetable for the process.

A bid committee was formed by India last month and also travelled to London to meet officials. India has also passed new sports legislation to give more support to athletes and strengthen sports governance.

India last hosted the Games in Delhi in 2010, but the event faced delays, corruption claims and poor management.

For now, all eyes are on Abuja and Ahmedabad, as both prepare to convince the Commonwealth Games Federation that they are ready to welcome the world in 2030.