Why in news?
India submitted a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. The bid aims to bring the multi‑sport event back to India after the successful 2010 games in Delhi.
About the Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games are an international multi‑sport event involving athletes from 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. The games began in 1930 as the British Empire Games and have since evolved into a celebration of sport and friendship. They are held every four years.
Key features
- Diverse sports: The games include athletics, swimming, badminton, boxing and other disciplines. Para‑sports events run alongside the main competition.
- Rotating host: Host nations are drawn from across the Commonwealth, giving smaller countries a chance to showcase their culture and infrastructure.
- Inclusivity: The event promotes gender equality and provides opportunities for athletes from smaller nations who may not qualify for the Olympics.
India and the Games
- India first participated in the 1934 games and has sent teams ever since.
- Indian track legend Milkha Singh won the country’s first athletics gold in 1958.
- Delhi hosted the 2010 edition, where India finished second in the medal tally with memorable performances in shooting, wrestling and boxing.
- By 2025 Indian athletes had accumulated over 560 medals across editions.
- The proposed 2030 games in Ahmedabad plan to include Indian indigenous sports along with standard events.