Gujarat CM Patel meets Glasgow delegation, receives CWG flag for Ahmedabad 2030
Gandhinagar, Aug 5
Formal preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad gathered momentum on Wednesday as the Commonwealth Games flag arrived in Gujarat from Glasgow and was formally presented by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the state Cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar.
The handover followed the conclusion of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where the flag was transferred to the Indian delegation during the closing ceremony, marking the official transition to Ahmedabad as host of the 2030 Games.
The flag will remain in Gujarat until the next Commonwealth Games in 2030, symbolising the state's responsibility for staging the event and the formal beginning of preparations.
The Cabinet meeting was attended by Gujarat athletes and para-athletes who represented India at the Glasgow Games, including para-athletes Rakesh Bhatt and Rohit Majgul, while para table tennis player Sonal Patel was also present.
Chief Secretary M.K. Das, Additional Chief Secretaries Ashwini Kumar and M. Thennarasan, and Secretary Rahul Gupta attended the event.
India finished fourth in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games medal standings with 39 medals comprising 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze.
Indian para-athletes contributed seven medals, including three gold, two silver and two bronze, ending the country's 20-year wait for a para-athletics podium finish at the Commonwealth Games.
Congratulating athletes from Gujarat and across the country, Deputy CM Sanghavi said that "Team Gujarat" was fully prepared to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
He added that preparations were progressing under the guidance of Commonwealth Sport, the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India and the state's Sports Department.
"From Glasgow to Ahmedabad, the journey to the 2030 Commonwealth Games has officially begun," Sanghavi wrote on social media platform X after returning from Scotland.
He said that meeting Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel with the Commonwealth Games flag became more meaningful as Gujarat's athletes, whose performances brought pride to the state and the country, were present.
"As Ahmedabad prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, the success of these champions reflects the sporting spirit that will define this historic journey," he added.
Addressing the media after his return from Glasgow earlier on Wednesday, Sanghavi said the state government would accelerate preparations for the Games while strengthening sports infrastructure and athlete development.
He noted that the initiative would further advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India vision and complement the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' by encouraging fitness and healthy lifestyles among young people.
He also said the Centre's increased investment in sports had helped create modern infrastructure and provide athletes with better training and facilities, allowing stronger performances at international competitions.
Speaking about grassroots sports development, Sanghavi said: "The state government was preparing special plans and programmes to encourage greater participation by local athletes at district sports complexes across Gujarat so that more young sportspersons could benefit from the facilities."
The Commonwealth Games flag, which bears the message "Sport Unites Us All", is traditionally handed over from the current host to the next host during the closing ceremony.
The ceremony signifies the transfer of hosting responsibilities and represents continuity of the Games while promoting unity, friendship, fair play and cooperation among Commonwealth nations.
With the flag now in Gujarat, the state has formally begun its journey towards hosting the centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Congratulations to the athletes who made India proud at Glasgow! 39 medals is a solid performance. But I hope the government focuses not just on big events but also on grassroots development — our district-level sports infrastructure needs serious attention. Sonal Patel and other para-athletes are true inspirations! 🙌
This is a proud moment for Gujarat and India! The CWG flag coming to Ahmedabad is a big responsibility. I just hope the authorities ensure that the infrastructure built doesn't just sit idle after the Games — like it happened with some other sporting venues. We need a real sports culture, not just events.
The involvement of para-athletes in this ceremony is truly heartwarming! After 20 years, we finally got a para-athletics podium finish — this is a big step for inclusivity in Indian sports. Looking forward to Ahmedabad 2030 being a landmark for disability sports too. 👏🏽
As someone who follows international sports, it's exciting to see India taking on such a major event. The CWG flag symbolizes much more than just a game — it's a commitment to unity and sportsmanship. Best of luck to the team in Ahmedabad! From a sports fan in Canada, cheering for a successful 2030 Games! 🍁
The CM's outreach to the athletes is commendable. However, I hope the government isn't just using this as a photo opportunity. Hosting the Games in 2030 is a huge task — we need clear timelines, transparency in spending, and inclusive public participation. Let's make sure the 'Sport Unites Us All' slogan truly holds for every citizen.