Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony: Timings, live streaming and Ahmedabad 2030 handover

The curtain will come down on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday, but for India, the occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter.

During the closing ceremony, Ahmedabad will officially take over as host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, receiving the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton in a symbolic handover that launches preparations for the centenary edition of the multi-sport event.

The ceremony is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the final day, with India set to introduce Ahmedabad 2030 to the Commonwealth through a cultural showcase while also hoping to add to its 39-medal tally before the Games conclude.

Ahmedabad 2030 gets its first global spotlight

The handover segment has been designed to offer the world its first glimpse of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

It will open with a tribute marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, followed by a classical jugalbandi featuring sitar maestro Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish piper Ross Ainslie, symbolising the connection between Glasgow and Ahmedabad.

The segment will conclude with a visual celebration of India, with Gujarat taking centre stage as the next host.

Acclaimed singer Shankar Mahadevan and actor Rashmika Mandanna will represent India during the ceremony.

Ahmedabad will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, exactly 100 years after the first edition of the event was held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

A new chapter for the King's Baton Relay

The closing ceremony will also mark the start of the King's Baton Relay for Ahmedabad 2030.

For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, each of the 74 participating nations and territories will receive its own baton, allowing every destination to customise and decorate it to reflect its culture and heritage.

Each baton carries part of a message from King Charles III before travelling across the Commonwealth and eventually reaching the host city ahead of the Games.

International stars to close Glasgow 2026

The ceremony at Glasgow's OVO Hydro will feature performances by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, BEMZ, Cammy Barnes and Sandi Thom.

Glasgow 2026 Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer Louisa Mahon said the ceremony would celebrate athletes and the people of Glasgow while marking the transition to the next host city.

She also described the handover as more than a ceremonial tradition, saying it would give audiences their first look at Ahmedabad 2030 through a celebration of Indian culture.

When is the Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony will begin at 9 pm local time on Sunday, August 2.

For viewers in India, it will start at 1:30 am IST on Monday, August 3.

Where to watch the Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony live

The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and DD Free Dish.

Live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV app and website.

With IANS inputs