India’s £300m Commonwealth Games dress rehearsal for 2036 Olympics
This significant investment is part of India’s broader strategy to showcase its ability to host a major international sporting event. The ultimate goal is staging the 2036 Olympic Games. Following the cancellations of Durban and Victoria as host cities, Birmingham and Glasgow were chosen as replacements. Neither could match the financial scale of the forthcoming Indian event. Ahmedabad’s Games will serve as a critical test for India. It will involve filling large-scale venues, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium, with eager spectators.
India’s Olympic ambitions are supported by the Ambani family, one of the country’s wealthiest business dynasties and co-owners of the MI London Hundred cricket franchise. This backing highlights the nation's growing confidence in its ability to deliver a world-class games experience. While India has never officially bid for the Olympics before, it has submitted a formal application for the 2036 Games, with Ahmedabad as the proposed host. The country faces competition from South Africa, Qatar, Istanbul, and Chile, with Egypt, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia also expected to enter the race for the prestigious event.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games will prioritize sports where India has a strong legacy. These include field hockey, wrestling, and archery — disciplines cut from the Glasgow Games due to budget limitations. Meanwhile, newer sports popular in India may return to the program. These include 3×3 basketball, rugby sevens, and cycling. India also has the right to add two regional or niche sports to the schedule. Kabaddi — a traditional Indian sport — is seen as a likely candidate. This selection reflects both the nation’s athletic strengths and its cultural identity on the global stage.