Nigeria enters fray with India in bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games
ndia and Nigeria have officially submitted bids to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the final decision set to be made in late November.
New Delhi: India's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games will not go unchallenged as Nigeria has officially entered the race, submitting its proposal before the August 31 deadline, setting up a contest between two of the Commonwealth's biggest sporting nations.
On Monday, Commonwealth Sport, the body that oversees the Games announced that both India and Nigeria had filed complete bid documents. With the 2030 edition making the centenary of the event, competing to stage it is expected to be intense.
The body has formed an Evaluation Commission that will assess both bids in detail. commission chaired by CS vice-president Sandra Osborne will review the documents, hold in-person meetings and oversee presentations by candidate nations in London later this month. Their findings will then be submitted to the CS Executive Board.
The board's recommendation will be put before all 74 member nation and territories at the General Assembly in Glasgow in late November, where the final host city will be confirmed.
Canada withdraws, India and China remain
Canada had shown early interest in hosting but later withdrew citing financial challenges. Now, just India and Nigeria remain as the two official contenders. While India is banking on Ahmedabad’s infrastructure and track record in organizing large-scale sporting events, Nigeria is looking to become the first African nation to stage the Commonwealth Games which would be a historic step.
CS President Donald Rukare welcomed the strong interest, calling the proposals from India and Nigeria "exciting” and a reflection of the Games’ legacy and appeal. He also noted that the new hosting model allows more flexibility and innovation compared to traditional bidding processes.
Landmark decision awaits
The 2030 Games carry added significance as that marks the centenary edition, making the selection of the host city even more symbolic. For India securing the event would mark a return to hosting after the 2010 New Delhi Games while for Nigeria, it represents a chance to bring the Commonwealth's flagship competition to Africa for the first time.
Well with the race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games now officially underway the next few months will be crucial as both countries make their case.