The 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded in Glasgow on Sunday with India officially taking over as host of the next edition. During the closing ceremony, the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton were handed over to Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, marking the start of the countdown to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
The 2030 edition will be the centenary Commonwealth Games and will mark the event’s return to India for the first time since New Delhi hosted it in 2010.
India showcases culture at closing ceremony
Following the official handover, India presented a cultural showcase celebrating its heritage and diversity. The performance featured actor Manushi Chhillar, composer Shankar Mahadevan, Gujarati singer Bhoomi Trivedi and sitarist Rishab Sharma, alongside a special Indo-Scottish musical collaboration.
A film introducing Ahmedabad highlighted the city’s blend of heritage, modern infrastructure and sporting ambitions ahead of the 2030 Games.
India finishes fourth in medal standings
India ended the Glasgow Games fourth in the medal tally with 39 medals, comprising 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. ≥The contingent achieved the feat despite competing with fewer athletes and in a reduced programme that excluded sports such as wrestling, shooting, badminton, hockey and table tennis. Boxing led India’s campaign with 10 medals, including seven golds, while athletics and para sports also delivered notable performances.
Ahmedabad aims for accessible and sustainable Games
Ahmedabad is preparing to deliver a Commonwealth Games focused on accessibility and sustainability. The state is working to make hotels fully accessible for para athletes and plans to operate an entirely electric public transport network by 2030. According to officials, the city already has most of the infrastructure required to host the Games, with only limited upgrades planned before 2029.
The sporting infrastructure developed for the event would continue to benefit athletes and sports science programmes after the Games, while discussions with Commonwealth Sport are underway on including cricket in the 2030 programme.
