Nigeria’s hopes of hosting the Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030 has been dashed following the choice of India as the next host of the games.
The Evaluation Commission of Commonwealth Sport, responsible for approving the country to host the event, choose Indian city of Ahmedabad ahead of Abuja, Nigeria.
The announcement of Ahmedabad, in western India as the host city, brings to end months of anticipation of Abuja hosting the games .
This marks the second time Abuja, Nigeria’s capital has lost a hosting bid for the games. The first been the 2014 Games, which went to Glasgow.
Ahmedabad, India is home to the world’s largest sports arena, the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium. With the city holding the hosting right, the arena will welcome athletes from 74 nations and territories when the Games open in 2030.
The decision of the Evaluation Commission is expected to be ratified at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
Responding to the choice of Ahmedabad, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, Dr. P. T. Usha hailed the selection. He said it is “a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth and strengthen international partnerships across the Commonwealth.
This loss to Abuja means Africa’s long wait to hosting the Games continues.
Nigeria had made strong technical presentation and commitment to using the event to promote youth development and continental unity.
Commonwealth Sport, however, noted it would work with Nigeria to “accelerate its hosting ambitions” and consider Abuja for the 2034 Games — offering a glimmer of hope that Africa’s turn may finally come.
The 2030 edition will celebrate 100 years since the inaugural Commonwealth Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.