Either India or Nigeria will host the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games after becoming the only nations to apply to stage the event by the August 31 deadline.
The two bids were announced by Commonwealth Sport, the governing body formerly known as the Commonwealth Games Federation, yesterday, and the proposals will now be assessed by an evaluation commission.
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The commission will then recommend a host for approval at Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in Glasgow in November.
In a statement, Commonwealth Sport president, Donald Rukare, said: “This positive response from two sporting powerhouse nations of the Commonwealth demonstrates the continued significance and legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games and the strength and appeal of our reimagined, sustainable games model.
“This follows unprecedented, diverse and wide-ranging Expressions of Interest in hosting the Games in 2030 and beyond.”
A noticeable absence from the bidding announcement was Canada, which hosted the first Commonwealth Games in 1930 in Hamilton. A multi-province bid was expected to be put forward by the country; however, it collapsed after Ontario, the province of Hamilton, backed out over financial concerns in June.
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By GlobalDataNew Zealand had also expressed interest in hosting earlier this year, but later confirmed its target year would be 2034 or later.
India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010; however, the event was marred by construction delays and allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Nigeria last bid for hosting rights for the 2014 edition, and if successful, will become the first African country to host the games.
The bids come after growing fears that a lack of interest in staging the games would spell the end of the multi-sport event after escalating costs forced host changes.
The 2022 games were shifted to Birmingham, England, after the South African city of Durban withdrew due to financial issues, while the Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games two years before the event due to ballooning costs.
Scotland’s Glasgow is set to host a scaled-down edition of the Commonwealth Games next year after stepping in to replace Victoria.
Before Ontario backed out of the country’s potential bid, the Canadian province of Alberta also withdrew its interest in staging the 2030 edition.
To increase interest in staging the multi-sport event, Commonwealth Sport announced a revamped host selection process earlier this year for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasizing increased collaboration, reduced hosting costs, and more flexibility.
Indian officials have stated that if successful, they will organize a full slate of events and use the games as a stepping stone to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
