Just last month, India and Nigeria submitted formal proposals to host the centenary edition of the Games, and six weeks later, it looks set to go in the direction of the most-populous country in the world.

Confirming Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, as the 2030 host city now relies on a vote, set to take place at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26 2025.

The Scottish city will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games as a late replacement for the Australian state of Victoria, who withdrew as host in 2023. In December, it will host the twelfth edition of Host City.

The recommendation to award the Games to India comes after a “detailed process” from the Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee, which assessed candidate cities’ capabilities in areas such as technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance and “alignment with Commonwealth Sport values” based on the “Games Reset” principles outlined by the organisation.

Commonwealth Sport added that both Ahmedabad and the Nigerian capital Abuja submitted “compelling proposals” in their bids. Despite missing out, there is a glimmer of hope for Nigeria. The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board agreed to develop a strategy that would support the country’s ambition to host a future Commonwealth Games, including in 2034.

Dr. Donald Rukare, Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, said: “We are grateful to both India and Nigeria for the vision and commitment they have shown in developing proposals to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Both proposals were inspiring, reflecting the scale of opportunity within our Commonwealth family.

“The Executive Board has carefully considered the Evaluation Committee’s findings and is recommending Amdavad to our membership. This is a significant milestone for the Movement as we look to our Centenary Games, and we now look ahead to the General Assembly in Glasgow where our members will make the final decision.

“The Board were impressed with the vision and ambition of Nigeria’s proposal and were united in our commitment to continue working with their team to explore future hosting opportunities. This decision reflects our determination to take the Commonwealth Games to the African continent.”

Dr. P T Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said: “It would be an extraordinary honour for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad. The Games would not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

“We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth.”

Viksit Bharat 2047 is a vision project from the Indian Government to make the country a developed nation by the centenary anniversary of India’s independence. India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi. The awarding of the 2030 Commonwealth Games fares well for India’s ambitions to host a future edition of the Olympic Games.

An African nation has never hosted the Commonwealth Games. South Africa has twice been awarded, but would not go on to host. Johannesburg was the original host city for the 1934 edition, but this was moved to London due to concerns over the treatment of non-white athletes. Durban has awarded the 2022 event, but was stripped due to financial constraints. Birmingham was instead awarded hosting rights.

Harare, Zimbabwe, then known as Salisbury as part of the colonial federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, submitted a bid for the 1966 Games, while Nigeria has been unsuccessful on three attempts – Lagos in 1982 and Abuja in both 2014 and 2030.

The multi-sport event first took place in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and was formerly known as the British Empire Games, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games and British Commonwealth Games until adopting its current name for the 1978 edition in Edmonton.

[Source: ISSA] The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) will conduct a series of on-site inspection visits to Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran, following the official submission of their bids to host the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games.

The visits represent a key milestone in the continued development of the Islamic Solidarity Games, as ISSA works to strengthen the event’s future and expand opportunities for countries to host major multi-sport events.

They also come as the countdown continues to the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games – Riyadh 2025, which will bring together athletes from 57 countries in a celebration of sport, unity and shared values.

ISSA Secretary General Nasser Majali welcomed the strong interest from the candidate countries, noting that it reflects the growing stature of the Islamic Solidarity Games and their increasing role in advancing sport at both regional and international levels.

“It is extremely encouraging to see three passionate and capable countries come forward to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games,” said Majali.

“These inspection visits represent a key phase in the evaluation process to ensure the Games are delivered to the highest standards for our athletes and National Olympic Committees, in full partnership with the host country.

“They also reaffirm ISSA’s commitment to enabling more member countries to benefit from hosting major international sports events and contributing to the continued development of sport across all regions.”

Following an initial evaluation process, six member countries submitted formal letters of interest to ISSA to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. After further discussions and assessments, Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran proceeded to submit their full hosting bids.

The inspection visits are being led by the ISSA Secretary General, accompanied by members of the ISSA Sport Commission, to review the candidate countries’ facilities, infrastructure and organizational plans ahead of the final hosting decision.

The Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games will welcome around 3,500 athletes from 57 countries, competing across 23 sports from 7 to 21 November 2025, marking the event’s return to Saudi Arabia two decades after the inaugural edition in 2005.

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord, the world’s leading sports business conference, today confirmed that the SportAccord Convention 2026 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24-28 May 2026, following the signing of the Host City Agreement.

This landmark agreement was signed today by SportAccord President Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sport, and Baku City Circuit Operations Company.

The SportAccord Convention is a leading global platform that connects key decision-makers and experts from across the global sports industry – from International Federations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), host cities, and rights holders – to discuss and shape the future of sport.

The Baku Convention Center will serve as the hub for cutting-edge panel debates, meetings, exhibitions and networking, while the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid will host the Opening Ceremony, blending Baku’s modern architecture with its rich cultural heritage.

SportAccord President Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener commented: “We are thrilled to bring the 19th edition of the world’s most important gathering of sports leaders, the SportAccord Convention, to Baku in 2026.

“Baku has a very strong track record in delivering world-class events, and this will be a significant moment both for SportAccord and the entire global sports industry.

“We are excited to work with our partners from the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and Baku City Circuit Operations Company, to deliver a truly exceptional event.

“Delegates can expect world-class facilities, the warmth of Azerbaijani hospitality, and an environment that fosters new connections and meaningful opportunities for the future of sport.”

The next edition provides a timely opportunity to gather the global sports industry, following the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, at a time when new leadership in the Olympic Movement and shifting priorities are defining the opportunities and challenges facing the future of sport.

Baku is a city which lives and breathes sport, and its renowned expertise in hosting international gatherings provides a perfect setting for the latest chapter in SportAccord’s illustrious history. Its role as Host City is further underlined by its designation as World Capital of Sport 2026 by ACES Europe, recognising its achievements in staging international competitions and investing in modern infrastructure.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Farid Gayibov said: “Azerbaijani sports have always been supported with great care and attention by our state leader, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev. Our nation’s sports achievements and our ability to host international events are a direct result of this commitment. Hosting the SportAccord Convention is a fantastic opportunity to further showcase our capabilities and to contribute to the global conversation that will shape the future of our industry. We are incredibly excited to collaborate with SportAccord and are committed to handling this event with great care and responsibility to make it a truly memorable experience for all.”

The vibrant capital of Azerbaijan is situated on the Caspian Sea, and enjoys a rich history fused with striking modern architecture which comprises its impressive cityscape. Baku proudly hosted the inaugural European Games in 2015, and has staged World Championships and European Championships across multiple sports, along with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Formula One since 2017.

Its unwavering commitment to the future of sport was further underlined by the UNESCO Global Sports Conference – MINEPS VII in Baku in June 2023, while in November 2024 global leaders gathered for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in the city.

The 2026 SportAccord Convention in Baku promises to stand at the centre of the global conversation on sport, driving the connections and ideas that will define its future.

Further details, including the Convention’s theme, programme highlights, and registration launch, will be announced in the coming months.

SportAccord continues to engage in productive discussions with other interested host cities for future editions of the SportAccord Convention.

SportAccord President Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener is speaking at Host City 2025 in Glasgow on 1-3 December. Host City is a longstanding media partner of SportAccord

[Source: Commonwealth Sport] India and Nigeria have submitted formal proposals to host the 2030 centenary Commonwealth Games by the deadline of 31 August 2025. This follows unprecedented, diverse and wide-ranging Expressions of Interest in hosting the Games in 2030 and beyond.

Commonwealth Sport (CS) President Dr Donald Rukare said: “We are delighted to confirm that India and Nigeria have submitted exciting formal proposals to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. This positive response from two sporting powerhouse nations of the Commonwealth demonstrates the continued significance and legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games and the strength and appeal of our reimagined, sustainable Games model.

“I would like to thank the Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) of India and Nigeria and their respective Governments for the dynamic and ambitious spirit in which they have engaged in the collaborative dialogue phase. The Commonwealth Sport team has been inspired by the National Sports Policies presented and excited about how the Games can advance national ambitions and create legacy benefits for local communities.

“The 2030 Evaluation Commission now has the important and difficult task of reviewing and evaluating the proposals and recommending a host to the Executive Board and ultimately, the 74 nation and territory members of the Commonwealth Sport Movement.”

Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir CNZM said: “We have made significant progress over the last 12 months, securing Glasgow as host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and announcing Malta as host of the next Commonwealth Youth Games in 2027. I would like to thank all of the member countries who participated in the Expression of Interest process, and of course, to credit Glasgow and Scotland for setting a truly collaborative, flexible and pioneering example with their 2026 model, which is inspiring new, diverse countries to consider hosting the Games in the decades ahead.

“Today’s announcement also sends a strong signal to our athlete community that the Commonwealth Games remains a major milestone in the global sporting calendar and will continue to be an event that attracts the very best athletes.”

Both proposals will now be assessed by an Evaluation Commission appointed by the CS Executive Board, including in-person presentations by the Candidate Hosts at a meeting in London in late September 2025. The Evaluation Commission will report its findings to the CS Executive Board, which will recommend a host to the 74 member nations and territories for approval at the General Assembly in late November 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Evaluation Commission is chaired by CS Vice President Sandra Osborne KC, who also serves as the Federation’s Sports Committee Chair and President of the Barbados Commonwealth Games Association and Olympic Committee. Joining Sandra Osborne on the Commission are:

• Helen Phillips MBE, CS Executive Board Member and Regional Vice President for Europe
• Brendan Williams, CS Athletes’ Advisory Commission Chair
• Ian Reid CBE, Vice Chair, Glasgow 2026 Organising Company and Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland
• Andrew Ryan MBE, former Executive Director, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF)
• Darren Hall, CS Director of Games & Assurance (non-voting)

CS launched a new collaborative host selection process for the Commonwealth Games in January this year, inviting its CGA members to lodge their interest for 2030 and future editions of the Commonwealth Games, with a deadline of the end of March. Following this initial phase, CS worked closely with each interested CGA and their regional representatives to assess hosting feasibility and support the development of detailed proposals. CS extends its sincere thanks to all who participated in these discussions and, in particular, to Commonwealth Sport Canada for its dedication and hard work. While it has decided to postpone its ambitions for hosting to a future Games, its contribution to the process is deeply appreciated.

The CS 2023-2034 ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan, launched in June 2023, and ‘Games Reset’ allow a move away from a traditional host bidding process. They enable flexibility, offering potential hosts the opportunity to be innovative and work collaboratively through a co-creation process on proposals for delivering the Games, while ensuring that all CS members can meaningfully participate.

Host City: For readers who may not be familiar with the World Police & Fire Games, can you summarize the size and scope of the event – how many sports, venues, participating countries and spectators?

James King: The World Police and Fire Games is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event held specifically for the World’s first responders and public safety. The Games are biennial and began in 1985 in San Jose, California. Birmingham, Alabama was our 21^st edition of the Games. The public safety participants hail from over 70 countries, and numbered 8500, to 10,000 plus athletes. The typical offering of sports is 65, with events ranging from the typical Olympic sports such as track and field and swimming to industry specific events such as the Ultimate Firefighter, the full gear stair race, police motorcycle rodeo, and the police service dogs. All events are free to the public and are available during the entire 9-10 days of the Games.

Host City: How was your experience of Birmingham AL as a host? Were there any learnings or legacies of their recent hosting of the World Games that were helpful to your event?

James King: We always learn a great deal from our various hosts and their respective experiences. The World Police and Fire Games have been in a “post covid” period, but our international participant numbers were actually very strong this edition, especially from Brazil and India.

We also learned that you don’t have to be close to the beach to create a great experience, with many competitors stating that the Beach Volleyball competition was one of the best ever. We heard similar remarks about cycling, which was held at Barber motorsports park. We also reinforced our standards by confirming that strategies such as venue clustering always work.

The 21^st edition of the WPFG provided many great results in the touch points with our athletes; the “athlete experience” was generally well received.

Host City: What benefits has the Games brought to Birmingham?

James King: Obviously, a key marker is economic impact. I heard personally how happy many restaurant owners and operators were with the number of athlete visitors who dined at the local restaurants. Hotels were also happy with the number of athletes, friends and family members who stayed at their hotels. Typically, US$65,000.00 is a good starting point for the return on investment in hosting the Games. I am sure Birmingham experienced this type of return.

Host City: The next two Games are going to very different destinations. How might hosting the World Police & Fire Games support Ahmedabad’s bid for the Olympics?

James King: Our 2027 WPFG will be held in Perth, Western Australia. The 2029 Games will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It is fair to say that both destinations are quite different from the United States, let alone the deep south of Alabama. However, they share a common thing in that they all have very hospitable and friendly people. I am excited for our athletes and the experiences that lay ahead.

As for Ahmedabad and how hosting the WPFG may support their bid for hosting the Olympics, the World Police and Fire Games offer the opportunity to rehearse operations and evaluate venues on a very large scale, at a greatly reduced price. The 65 sports offered by the WPFG are held to the highest international governing body standards. This includes the venues, officiating, and other critical components of conducting a major international multi-sport event.

Host City: How important is it for you as a rightsholder to learn from and engage with other types of major events around the world?

James King: We offer our athletes an incredible experience, one which I am very proud of. With that said, we are not perfect. We take lessons from all our experiences, both good and bad. One of the best attributes of our Games is that our athletes can network with like individuals from around the globe. The commonalities are uncanny between public safety, be it law enforcement or firefighting. The same is true for event organizers in the sports world. If you are not learning, you are not growing, which means you won’t be around for long.

Why should cities want to bid to host an event like the World Police & Fire Games?

James King: Easy. The World Police and Fire Games showcases the “human element” of public safety and first responders by honoring them on a global stage. We thank those people who serve people. These folks risk their lives daily in the communities that they serve. We provide an outlet for improving both physical and mental health of first responders. The local public safety personnel will experience long-term benefits from the notoriety received from hosting the Games. It is a shot in the arm for essential services.

Additionally, the economic benefits are huge considering the ROI could be many times the initial investment. Our customer athletes pay their own way, eat at local restaurants, stay in hotels, and support the local economy in many ways. It is an equation that has been paying off for the past 40 years.

[Source: CPAF] Ahmedabad, one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas and a cultural hub in Gujarat, was chosen after a competitive bidding process that included the finalist Hanoi, Vietnam. This is the first time India will host the WPFG, continuing the Games’ tradition of global inclusion and international camaraderie among first responders.

“It is indeed a great honour and responsibility for Ahmedabad to be announced as the host city for 2029 WPFG,” said Vivek Srivastava, Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defense & Home Guards. “As highlighted in our bid document and presentation, we are committed to hosting an athlete-friendly, digitally enabled, and environmentally sustainable Games for the brave first responders of the world. In addition to world-class venues and infrastructure, we are confident of delivering competitive yet welcoming Games where athletes from around the world will experience our wonderful culture, heritage, growth, and hospitality.”

Ahmedabad joins a prestigious roster of global host cities and will follow Perth, Australia, which is set to host the 2027 World Police & Fire Games. This announcement follows the culmination of the Birmingham Games, which ran from June 27 to July 6, welcoming over 8,500 attendees from more than 70 countries.  Competitors participated in 65 events across 35 venues, ranging from traditional sports like basketball and cycling to specialized first responder competitions, including the Toughest Competitor Alive, Police Action Pistol, Ultimate Firefighter, and Firefighter Challenge.

Founded in 1985, the World Police and Fire Games are a biennial event that strives to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among first responders globally. The event is organized by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) and has grown to become one of the largest athletic events in the world. 

The CPAF is also the governing body for the United States Police & Fire Championships and the First Responders Relay. The mission of CPAF is to promote sport and physical fitness among personnel representing law enforcement, fire, corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs.

“With Ahmedabad selected for 2029 and Perth already in place for 2027, we’re excited to see the spirit of these Games continue to thrive on a global scale,” said James King, President of CPAF. “Ahmedabad impressed us with its vision, commitment to sustainability, and passion for delivering an exceptional athlete experience. We’re excited to see the Games head to India for the first time and confident the city will deliver a world-class experience for first responders from across the globe.”

As the newest member of the WPFG legacy, Ahmedabad’s hosting will continue the mission of celebrating the strength, skill, and service of first responders from around the world.

Founded in 1985, the World Police & Fire Games are held biennially and are open to active and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responder personnel from around the globe. More information on future Games, athlete eligibility, and participation can be found at www.cpaf.org.

[Source: FIBA] FIBA today announced that Mongolia will host the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2027, from March 31 to April 4, in the heart of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where the rise of 3x3 basketball shows no signs of slowing down.

Mongolia’s hosting of Asia’s biggest 3x3 event follows a recent landmark moment for Mongolian basketball, with more than 50,000 passionate fans turning up in Sukhbaatar Square for an unforgettable FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025. The Mongolian women’s team thrilled local supporters with a remarkable run to the final, earning nationwide praise and recognition. Days after the event, the team was received by the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, and awarded an honorary athlete distinction in honour of their achievement.

"Mongolia continues to prove itself as a true world-class hub for 3x3 basketball,” said FIBA 3x3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez. “The fans, the atmosphere, and the quality on the half-court make Mongolia the ideal host for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2027. We are excited to return to Ulaanbaatar, ten years after Mongolia made history by staging the first-ever FIBA Asia Cup in 2017."

This latest announcement marks another milestone in Mongolia’s impressive journey as a leader in 3x3 basketball development in Asia. Mongolia has continued to strengthen its reputation as a trusted and passionate host of major international 3x3 events such as the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019, the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2024, annual FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stop and FIBA 3x3 World Tour. The recent FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 showcased once again Mongolia’s incredible passion for 3x3 basketball and its ability to deliver world-class urban sporting events.

About FIBA 3x3

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.
It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
 

By 2040, a generation will have passed since London last staged the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For many, the summer of 2012 is etched in their minds as a moment of national pride and global admiration. But when you pause to consider how much the world will have changed by the time the Games could return to the capital, it becomes clear this wouldn’t just be a nostalgic repeat. It would be a reinvention.

In 15 years’ time, today’s children will be the athletes, creators and consumers that brands are trying to reach. They will not even remember the last home Games, and their interests, viewing habits and social values will be shaped by forces that might not currently exist. AI-driven media, decentralised content platforms, and shifting definitions of sport and fandom will redraw the entire engagement model.

Any city that can help the IOC adapt to that future stands to gain, and London is well placed to lead.

The rise of lifestyle sports and new medal moments

The data already shows the shift in motion. According to the 2025 EY Sports Engagement Index, 72% of UK respondents consider themselves “core sports engagers.” But what they mean by “sport” is changing.

It’s no longer just about elite competitions or season tickets. The fastest-growing areas of participation are lifestyle-led: basketball, hiking, running, swimming.

Sports that are as much about community and wellness as they are about medals. The generation growing up on Strava, YouTube Shorts and shared step counts is more likely to be inspired to watch and play by local participation over paywalled content.

This isn’t bad news for the Olympics, quite the opposite. It’s a chance to meet young people where they already are. A future London Olympics could shine a light on sports that resonate with younger audiences in new ways.

Disciplines like skateboarding, climbing and 3x3 basketball have already made their debut, and more could follow. For National Olympic Committees, these newer sports represent fresh medal potential. For sponsors, they offer storytelling opportunities rooted in identity and culture, over competition.

A host city for the digital age

Equally, the shift towards more gender-balanced and inclusive formats continues to reshape what fans expect from the Games. Events like mixed relays and doubles in newer sports make sense not just in the name of fairness, but in engagement too. They reflect a world where audiences care as much about representation as results. Combined with the growing popularity of wellness culture, there’s a much broader canvas to paint on, one that spans physical spaces and digital touchpoints.

That’s where the media landscape becomes central.

By 2040, AI will have transformed content creation. The way fans discover, watch and interact with Olympic moments won’t be through linear TV alone. It will happen through smart filters, reactive content and decentralised social ecosystems we haven’t even named yet. Signs of the shift are already clear: the unified Olympics social channels generated 1.1 billion engagements in June 2024 alone, triple the levels recorded before Tokyo 2020. Nearly 40 per cent of that digital audience is under 34, showing how the Games already live inside youth culture.

This is where London’s strength as a global media and tech hub comes into play. Any host city needs to offer more than venues; it needs to offer vision. And London is well placed to act as a bridge between tradition and transformation.

At the same time, competition among host cities is intensifying. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are spending heavily to secure global sports rights as part of their long-term plans to transition from oil dependency to destination economies. Rights holders and emerging sports are looking at cities not only as locations, but as revenue sources. And in return, cities are betting on footfall, tourism and cultural relevance.

This is a hearts and minds business. If global sports rightsholders know that London is open for business, they are far more likely to bring high-value events to the UK.

Craving for shared context

Of course, every Olympic bid comes with questions about cost, legacy and impact. And it’s fair to say that, even with much of the 2012 infrastructure still in place, the economics are complicated. But what often gets overlooked in those conversations is the value of cultural momentum.

Events like the Olympics have the power to influence generational health habits, drive community participation, and put cities on the global stage in a way that shapes their future far beyond the closing ceremony. They offer a reason to rally around shared purpose, something that feels increasingly scarce.

That collective energy matters, especially for marketers. Because whatever form the Olympic content experience takes in 2040, attention will be more fragmented than ever. Having a single event that cuts through, where people gather physically and digitally to experience something together, is rare and valuable. It’s the kind of shared context brands crave, particularly when trying to connect with younger, more purpose-led audiences.

That’s why the smart money is already thinking ahead. London 2040 wouldn’t just be a sporting event. It would be a moment to reset what fan engagement looks like. It would be a platform for health and inclusivity, powered by technology but rooted in emotion. For brands and rights holders alike, it could offer the chance to rebuild trust, relevance and reach with an audience that’s rewriting the rules.

London has done it before, but the real opportunity lies in doing it differently. If that happens in 2040, we won’t just be looking back at 2012 with pride. We’ll be looking forward with purpose.

India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games has taken a significant step forward, as a senior delegation travelled to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on a three-day official visit. The mission, which confirmed Ahmedabad 2036 as the aim, underscores India’s growing commitment to securing the Summer Games and elevating its profile as a global sporting destination.

This visit marks the first formal presentation by Indian officials since the country expressed interest in staging one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.

The group included prominent figures from India’s sports and administrative leadership: Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Sports Association Secretary Hariranjan Rao, Gujarat Chief Sports Secretary Ashwini Kumar, and Urban Development Secretary M Thennarasan.

“The discussions provided a vital platform for the Indian delegation to articulate their vision for hosting a future Olympic Games in Amdavad (Ahmedabad). Concurrently, they gained invaluable insights from the IOC regarding the requirements for the Olympic Games and its ambitions for the future of the Olympic Movement,” a press release issued by the delegation stated.

“The Olympic Games in India would not just be a spectacular event—they would create a generational impact for all Indians,” PT Usha was reported by ETV Bharat as saying.

During the visit, the IOC briefed the Indian team on the requirements and evaluation criteria necessary for a successful bid.

Minister Sanghvi highlighted productive discussions around hosting other sports and business events. “Yesterday, I had a fruitful meeting with the President of SportAccord, a Lausanne-based global sports event organisation. Gujarat was invited to host the SportAccord conference, which will showcase the state’s potential as a premier international sports destination,” he was quoted by ETV Bharat. "We also explored collaborative opportunities for hosting large-scale tournaments."

The President of SportAccord, IOC Honorary Member Ugur Erdener, is speaking at Host City 2025 conference in Glasgow on 1-3 December.

While several other nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games, India’s bid is considered to be a frontrunner. A Letter of Intent was submitted to the IOC in October 2023, with the proposal led by IOC member Nita Ambani and publicly endorsed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit came shortly after the newly inaugurated IOC President Kirst Coventry announced a “pause and reflect” on the process of selecting Olympic host cities, with a view to restoring greater involvement of IOC Members in decision making.

World Netball has unveiled a major strategic overhaul, including a move to host its flagship Netball World Cup every two years instead of four, alongside launching an inaugural men's counterpart. The decision reflects growing concern over the future role of netball at the Commonwealth Games, despite seven destinations declaring interest in hosting future editions.

World Netball CEO Fiona Harold said: “International netball has never been more competitive, but the landscape is becoming increasingly complex to navigate.

“We… absolutely need to be proactive about futureproofing ourselves given the uncertainty around the Commonwealth Games post 2026. These decisions allow us to control our destiny and it’s positive news for everyone. As the International Federation, it is our job to sustain and grow the game over the long term.”

With reference to the men’s Netball World Cup, Harold added: “Whilst World Netball will always remain proud of the sport’s traditions, we must not be held hostage to them.

“Our sport is open to all and now feels like the right time to make a clear statement on the men’s game, which is gaining momentum rapidly.

“The resounding feedback from many stakeholders across the game is that this is a really positive step, especially as we continue to strive and build our case for Olympic Games inclusion.”

World Netball is in discussion with members and third parties about hosting rights for 2028-2035, with a formal process due to launch “imminently”.

Netball’s inclusion at the Commonwealth Games became uncertain following the 2021 publication of the Commonwealth Sport 2026-2030 Strategic Roadmap, which reduced compulsory sports to athletics and aquatics, making netball optional. Though the sport is confirmed for Glasgow 2026, World Netball is positioning its own events to compensate for any potential exclusion in subsequent Games.

Seven countries have officially expressed interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games, with Canada, India, and Nigeria are targeting the centenary 2030 Games, while two others (including New Zealand) explore 2034 bids. The host for 2030 is due to recommended by late November 2025 at the CGF General Assembly in Glasgow. With the new hosting model favouring cost‑efficient events using leaner programmes, netball’s continued presence remains unguaranteed under the flexible model, which could leave the sport in limbo unless individual host nations choose to include it.

Speaking in April, Commonwealth Sport Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall said, “Considering the high level of interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games in 2030 and beyond, we will now discuss each submission further and work with each interested Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) and its regional representatives as part of a co-creation and collaboration phase to establish hosting feasibility.

“During this next five-month period, candidates moving forward in the process will ultimately be required to provide a detailed Games Proposal to Commonwealth Sport. This will be followed by a Commonwealth Sport-led evaluation process culminating in our Executive Board recommending a host to the Membership for approval at the General Assembly in late November 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland."