Gandhinagar: The race to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 is set to intensify this week, with Ahmedabad emerging as a strong contender. A decisive meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Board is scheduled in London on September 23, where Gujarat officials will make a detailed presentation to support India’s bid.

Led by Ashwini Kumar, Principal Secretary for Sports, the Indian delegation will outline Gujarat’s preparations to host the mega event. Another presentation by Nigeria, the rival contender, is slated for September 24. While the official announcement of the 2030 venue will be made on November 26, sources suggest that the CGF may provide an early indication of the winning bid as early as next month.

The Gujarat government has already begun extensive groundwork, earmarking infrastructure and logistics for nearly 20 sports disciplines to be hosted in the state. The Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera, the world’s largest cricket venue, is expected to be the centerpiece, while the newly completed Naranpura Sports Complex, built at a cost of ₹284 crore, and the under-construction Sardar Patel Sports Enclave spread over 233 acres, add to the city’s credentials.

In preparation, senior officials including Sandeep Sangle, Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat, and Indravadan Vala, Secretary of Sports, are in Tokyo studying best practices at the ongoing World Athletics Championships. Their learnings are expected to be applied not only to the Commonwealth Games but also to the All-India Police and Firefighters Championship likely to be hosted in Ahmedabad in 2029.

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi, which were considered a landmark in the country’s sporting history. In contrast, Nigeria has never hosted a global multi-sport event, though its President has publicly declared readiness to stage the 2030 Games.

With world-class facilities and government backing, Ahmedabad’s bid has gained momentum, and the London meeting on Tuesday is expected to be a turning point in deciding the future venue of the Commonwealth Games 2030.