India has officially expressed its interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a move seen as a potential stepping stone towards the country’s larger ambition of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, as per Al Jazeera.
The bid signifies India’s intent to become a major player in the global sporting arena.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President, P.T. Usha, confirmed the submission to Reuters on Friday, stating, “We have sent an expression of interest and we are hopeful the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will consider our proposal.”
While India has never hosted the Olympics, it did host the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Despite initial challenges with allegations of corruption and mismanagement during the build-up, the event itself was ultimately considered a success, with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium serving as the focal point for the 12 days of sporting action. The 2010 Games carried a price tag of $6 billion.
India is optimistic about securing the 2030 Commonwealth Games, particularly as the event has struggled to attract host cities in recent years. Glasgow, Scotland, will host a scaled-down version in 2026 after the original host, the Australian state of Victoria, withdrew due to escalating costs. Similarly, the 2022 Games were moved to Birmingham after Durban, South Africa, pulled out due to financial difficulties.
The deadline for submitting expressions of interest for the 2030 edition is March 31.
The CGF acknowledged the ongoing process in an email to Reuters, stating they would provide further details “in due course.”
Beyond the Commonwealth Games, India is actively pursuing a bid for the 2036 Olympics. Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat, is the centerpiece of India’s ambitious plans to host what is widely considered the “greatest show on earth.”
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