(Reuters) -India and Nigeria submitted formal proposals to host the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games by the August 31 deadline, Commonwealth Sport announced on Monday.
Canada, who hosted the first Commonwealth Games in 1930 in Hamilton, was expected to be in the running but did not bid.
“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,” Commonwealth Sports President Donald Rukare said in a statement.
India’s bid is part of the country’s plans as it dreams of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad.
Rukare praised India and Nigeria 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 bids are good news for the multi-sport event after fears Glasgow 2026 might be the last Commonwealth Games.
Scotland’s Glasgow will host a pared-down version of the Games next year after the Australian state of Victoria, the original host, pulled out citing escalating costs.
The 2022 Games was shifted to Birmingham after the South African city of Durban withdrew due to financial issues.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing in Manchester; Editing by Ken Ferris)
