Kites fly in Glasgow city centre as Commonwealth Sport look ahead to Amdavad 2030 Centenary Games
Glasgow, July 31
Glasgow 2026 gold medallist Reuben Ward and silver medallist Murali Sreeshankar joined representatives from Commonwealth Sport and Team India in looking ahead to the 2030 Commonwealth Games, being hosted by Amdavad in Gujarat, India, ahead of the official handover this Sunday.
Inspired by Amdavad's annual kite festival, 30 children from local community group Glasgow Indians Association marked the occasion by flying kites emblazoned with Scottish and Indian flags through the streets of Glasgow, according to a press release.
The kites were flown along John Street, which contains the City Chambers - the spot where Sir Chris Hoy and Greg McHugh entered the Tardis during this year's Opening Ceremony.
The two-day kite festival is the beating heart of Gujarat's cultural calendar, attracting master kite flyers, makers and spectators from across the globe, with thousands of kites of every shape, size and colour filling the sky.
The athletes and children were joined by Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare, CEO Katie Sadleir, and their counterparts from Team India, President PT Usha and CEO Raghuram Iyer, as well as Commonwealth Games Scotland CEO Jon Doig.
Commonwealth Games Association of India President PT Usha said, "Seeing children in Glasgow flying kites for India is a special moment for all of us. It's a small taste of the welcome Amdavad will give the Commonwealth in 2030, and we can't wait to build on everything Glasgow 2026 has done to bring people together through sport."
Scotland's breakout star, gymnast Reuben Ward, said, "Glasgow 2026 and the Commonwealth Games will forever have a special place in my heart - I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I have without everyone who came out to support me. I hope to be there in India in four years' time, representing Team Scotland again."
India's long jump silver medallist, Murali Sreeshankar, said, "It's exciting to see the Games starting their journey to my home country - we can't wait to welcome the world in 2030. Being in Glasgow, I've seen how the local community gets behind the Games and its athletes. This feels like a new era for the Games now, and I know it will be very special in Amdavad."
Commonwealth Sport President, Dr Donald Rukare said, "This moment looks ahead to Amdavad 2030 and our ambition to build a long-lasting legacy for the Commonwealth Games. With Amdavad and the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games on the horizon, the Movement has a very bright future."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm thrilled about the 2030 Games coming to Amdavad. The kite festival reference is perfect—it's such an iconic part of Gujarati culture. But we need to think seriously about air quality and pollution in the city during winter months. That will be a big challenge for athletes and visitors. Hope the authorities start working on it now.
Murali Sreeshankar representing India and getting to see the handover in person—what an honour for him! 🙌 The Commonwealth Games really bring people together. I just hope the budget for 2030 doesn't get inflated like some of our other mega events. Let's keep it focused on sports and athlete experience.
As someone who was in Glasgow for the 2026 Games, seeing the kite flying ceremony in the city centre was a lovely touch. The cultural exchange between Scotland and India is something special. Can't wait to visit Amdavad in 2030—I've heard the food is incredible! 😄
The Glasgow Indians Association getting 30 kids to fly kites—that's such a warm gesture. It reminds me of Uttarayan back home. 🪁 However, I'm a bit concerned about the timeline. Four years might not be enough for massive infrastructure upgrades. Let's hope the planning starts in full swing right now.
Brilliant to see the Commonwealth Games moving to India again after so long. The kite festival idea is creative marketing. Scotland has set
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