India to Host Commonwealth Games 2030

• 25 Oct 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

India is set to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2030, with Ahmedabad chosen as the proposed venue, marking a key step in its bid for the 2036 Olympics. 

• India last hosted the CWG in 2010 (Delhi). 
• India has a strong CWG record, finishing 4^th at Birmingham 2022.  
• The 2026 CWG will take place in Glasgow, Scotland. 

What are Commonwealth Games? 

• About: CWG is the world’s 2^nd largest multi-sports event (after Olympic Games), bringing together athletes from 71 nations and territories and celebrating the diversity and unity of the Commonwealth. 
• Evolution: It was first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada as the British Empire Games. 
  • The event was known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, before being renamed the Commonwealth Games from 1978 onwards. 
• Governing Body: Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is responsible for the direction and control of the Games. 
• Purpose and Values: It is held once every 4 years and is often referred to as the Friendly Games, reflecting the core values of Humanity, Equality, and Destiny. 
  • It promotes sports, education, and recreation while celebrating the Commonwealth’s cultural and linguistic diversity. 

 

‘Commonwealth’ 

• About: It is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, representing a population of 2.7 billion people, with shared goals of development, democracy, and peace. 
• Historical Genesis: 
  • Imperial Conference (1926): UK and Dominions agreed to be equal members within the British Empire, owing allegiance to the monarch but retaining autonomy. 
  • London Declaration (1949): Established the Modern Commonwealth of Nations, allowing republics and non-British monarchies to join. 
• Membership: Composed of 56 independent countries, most formerly British colonies. Membership is voluntary, and any country can join; Gabon and Togo joined in 2022. 
• Values and Governance: It is guided by the Commonwealth Charter, promoting development, democracy, and peace, with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London supporting member states in achieving these goals. 
• India and the Commonwealth: India is the largest Commonwealth member by population and the 4^th largest financial contributor.  
  • It has hosted the Commonwealth Summit (1983) and the Commonwealth Games (2010) in New Delhi.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What are the Commonwealth Games? 

The Commonwealth Games are a quadrennial multi-sport event for athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories, promoting sports, cultural diversity, and unity. 

2. When and where were the first Commonwealth Games held? 

The inaugural Games took place in 1930, Hamilton, Canada, as the British Empire Games. 

3. What is the Commonwealth of Nations? 

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, mostly former British colonies, promoting development, democracy, and peace through cooperation.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (2021)

1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.  
2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.  
3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.  

Which of the above statements are correct?  

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only  

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3  

Ans: (c)