National

India Approves Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad


India has officially entered the race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the bid, describing Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class sporting infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and deep-rooted sporting culture.

The decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s nod earlier this month, after an ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted in March. The bid will be formally submitted before the August 31 deadline, with the final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November. With Canada exiting the race due to financial constraints, India’s prospects appear brighter.

Ahmedabad boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium—the largest stadium in the world—which recently hosted the 2023 ICC World Cup Final. The under-construction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is also set to play a crucial role, offering an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multi-sport indoor arenas. The Games are seen as a stepping stone toward India’s larger ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad again seen as a frontrunner.

Beyond showcasing India’s sporting excellence, the bid has been positioned as a catalyst for economic growth. Hosting the CWG is expected to boost tourism, generate local jobs, and promote sports as a viable career path. The government also anticipates large-scale employment opportunities across event management, media, broadcasting, logistics, and more.

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. If successful, the 2030 edition will not only include all major disciplines but also bring back medal-heavy sports like shooting and wrestling—disciplines removed from the upcoming 2026 Games in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association also aims to promote traditional sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, making the event a culturally rich and competitive showcase.

As the nation awaits the final decision, the bid stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in global sports and its readiness to deliver events on an international scale.

Sports

Asian Shooting Championship 2025: Sift Kaur Samra Clinches 50m Rifle 3P Gold, Leads India to Team Victory


India’s medal charge at the Asian Shooting Championship 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan continued in stunning fashion as Sift Kaur Samra won gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions and led India to a team gold alongside Ashi Chouksey and Anjum Moudgil.

In a tightly fought final, Sift scored 459.2, narrowly beating China’s Yujie Yang, who finished at 458.8. Entering the final two shots in standing position, Samra trailed by 0.3 points. She stayed composed and delivered a 9.6 and a 10.0, while Yang’s 8.7 and 10.2 weren’t enough.

Samra, Chouksey, and Moudgil combined for 1753 points, edging out Japan by three points. Korea took bronze with 1745.

  • Ashi Chouksey placed 7th in the final with 402.8
  • Misaki Nobata (Japan) won bronze with 448.2
  • Shriyanka Sadangi topped qualifiers but was competing under RPO
  • Anjum Moudgil placed 22nd in qualifying with 578-19x

These victories pushed India’s senior medal count at the event to 19:

  • 🥇 9 Gold
  • 🥈 3 Silver
  • 🥉 7 Bronze

Two-time Olympian Manu Bhaker also brought home three bronze medals, including one in the individual 10m air pistol.

India’s senior shooting squad of 35 athletes competed in 15 events, while 129 shooters represented the country in junior events. The championship will conclude on Friday.