India eyes Commonwealth Games as stepping stone for 2036 Olympics hosting goal.
Although India has never hosted an Olympics, it was the site for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, which despite controversies over corruption and mismanagement during its preparation, was ultimately deemed a successful event.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was the main venue for the 12-day multi-sport event that cost $6 billion.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha confirmed their submission of an “expression of interest” to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), expressing hope for their proposal to be considered.
![Fireworks exploded over the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi [B Mathur/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2010-10-14T120000Z_2132749731_LR2E6AE1ATJ1D_RTRMADP_3_GAMES-CLOSING-1742549362.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C518)
India is hopeful about its chances to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, especially as the event has faced difficulties in securing hosts recently.
Glasgow, Scotland will host the next games, downscoped from its original plan, after Victoria, Australia declared it could not economically host the event.
Before Victoria, Durban, South Africa also backed out from hosting due to financial constraints.
Expressions of interest for the 2030 Commonwealth Games are to be submitted by March 31.
The CGF has confirmed the process is ongoing and will provide further information in the coming time.
India is also in the race to host the 2036 Olympics, aiming to stage the prestigious event in Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat.
