The immediate future of the Commonwealth Games has been secured, with a major Asian power stepping in to host, but the announcement has reignited criticism towards the Victorian state government for its shock withdrawal.
India Celebrates, Victoria Faces Backlash
Ahmedabad in India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a decision that triggered massive celebrations. This follows the scaled-back 2026 Games in Glasgow, which will feature only ten sports. Scotland's Glasgow saved the event after the Victorian government's sudden decision to pull out as host.
Former Premier Dan Andrews dumped the Games, which were set for regional Victoria, citing excessive costs. As a result, Victoria paid $380 million in compensation to Commonwealth Sport. Of that sum, $200 million was redirected to fund the Glasgow Games.
Australian Officials Lament 'Missed Opportunity'
With the 2030 edition now locked in, Commonwealth Games Australia boss Craig Phillips did not hold back in his assessment of the Victorian government's choice. "I think Dan got it wrong," Phillips told 7NEWS. "What we've seen... is that the Commonwealth Games is here to stay. It's very resilient and is a big part of the sporting landscape globally."
Champion shooter and Melbourne 2006 gold medallist Russell Mark also hit out, saying the Victorian government should be embarrassed. "They should be embarrassed that India have been able to just walk in there... put a successful bid and follow through and that's something we sadly let ourselves down in," he said. His wife, fellow gold medallist Lauryn Mark, admitted she feared the event was dead, calling it a "real tragedy" that Victoria couldn't find a way to make it work.
A Return to Tradition for 2030 Games
While next year's leaner Glasgow Games has axed many fan favourites, the centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030 promises a return to form with a program of 15 to 17 sports.
Indian organisers have already confirmed eight core sports for the event:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Lawn Bowls
- Weightlifting
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Netball
- Boxing
A further 15 sports are on a 'possibles' list, which includes popular Australian medal sources such as:
- T20 Cricket
- Hockey
- Shooting
- Squash
- Rugby Sevens
- Triathlon
- Beach Volleyball
According to Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadleir, the final schedule will be settled by April next year. A key factor in India's affordable model is the use of existing facilities, avoiding significant new builds. Sadleir noted that India has a "huge ambition to turn India into a mega-sporting nation" and sees hosting the Commonwealth Games as a vital step towards potentially hosting an Olympic Games in the future.
The reset model being pioneered in Glasgow, which focuses on affordability by utilising existing venues, is seen as a template for the future of the Games, proving it "doesn't have to be a billion dollar exercise."
