Ahmedabad has been formally awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The decision was sealed on Wednesday during the Commonwealth Sports' general assembly, making way for the prestigious multi-sport event to return to India after a two-decade break.

The general assembly, comprising 74 members, delivered a seal of approval on India's bid, confirming the recommendation previously made by the Commonwealth Sports Executive Board last month. This followed a meticulous evaluation process overseen by the Commonwealth Sport's Evaluation Committee. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi.

The successful bid for the 2030 CWG is a major step forward, as it also strengthens India's greater ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, expressed confidence in the choice, stating, "India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance...We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health."

India's bid saw competition from the Nigerian capital, Abuja. However, Commonwealth Sport ultimately decided to consider the African nation as the potential host for the 2034 edition of the Games.

The 2030 Games will mark the centenary edition, as the first Commonwealth Games, then known as the British Empire Games, took place in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.