India has emerged as Nigeria’s top challenger for the 2030 Commonwealth Games’ hosting right following its indication of plans to bid for the Games.
Last month, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) announced that it has met the March 28, 2025, deadline for expression of interest to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
It added that it was only expecting the Federal Government’s backing to commence a formal bid for the event.
The proposals for the final bid are expected to be submitted by August 31, and the selection of the host city for CWG 2030 will be made by Commonwealth Sport in November this year.
India has already formally submitted its bid to conduct the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad with an eye on hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 in the same city.
Nigeria lost a bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow, Scotland. A statement by NOC spokesman, Tony Nezianya, said that Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Games in the capital city of Abuja will present a unique opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing and invigorate its sports culture.
But such hopes could be dashed by the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) bid, which delegation, alongside officials of Central and Gujarat state governments met with Commonwealth Sport officials in London, last week to better understand the process and framework for securing the hosting rights.
According to insidethegames.biz, the party, which included IOA chief, PT Usha and Sports Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, participated in comprehensive discussions and presented the preparations undertaken so far to advance the bid.
Insidethegames.biz also reports that the Commonwealth Sport team confirmed their support for interested host cities, which also include Canada and Nigeria.
“India has a shared belief with Commonwealth Sport that sport has the power to unite nations, inspire youth, and foster social change. India stands ready to partner with the Commonwealth Games Federation to craft a legacy-oriented, future-focused edition of the Games,” Usha said, according to Ani News.
The CGF has previously voiced support for the Asian nation’s ambitions. CGF CEO Katie Sadleir, told attendees of the Times Group ET NOW Global Business Summit that “India’s work is transformational.
“With the right leadership, infrastructure, and passion, it is on track to becoming one of the top 10 countries in the Olympics,” said Sadleir last February.
“We are designing a model for hosting the Games that focuses on long-term impact rather than short-term spectacle using existing venues wherever possible and ensuring that the Games leave behind, a meaningful legacy for local communities,” Sanghavi said in a press release.
