Glasgow hosts Amdavad Experience Centre ahead of 2030 Commonwealth Games
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Amdavad Experience Center in Glasgow, Scotland. This centre aims to showcase Ahmedabad’s heritage, culture, and sporting ambitions in anticipation of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which Ahmedabad is set to host. The inauguration took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Sanghavi was joined by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P T Usha and Scottish officials at the event. The exhibition at the centre highlights Ahmedabad’s history, its status as a Unesco World Heritage City, its sports infrastructure, hospitality, and Gujarati cuisine. Sanghavi described Ahmedabad as a city where history and modernity converge, offering visitors a preview of what athletes and spectators can expect in 2030.
The Deputy Chief Minister also shared a video featuring garba and dandiya performances, which included local residents and international participants. He noted that the event celebrated Gujarat’s traditional dance forms, uniting people across borders. Sanghavi invited individuals in and around Glasgow to visit the centre to experience the culture and spirit of Gujarat.
Ahmedabad’s preparations for 2030 Games
An Indian delegation was in Glasgow to observe the operational aspects of organising a multi-sport event. Officials involved in various facets of the 2030 Games were gaining direct experience from the current Commonwealth Games as preparations for the centenary event in Ahmedabad gather pace.
Sanghavi emphasised Ahmedabad’s efforts to highlight its sporting infrastructure and cultural heritage as it prepares to host the centenary edition of the Games in 2030. He mentioned that the Amdavad Experience Centre would host sports federations and athletes from various countries, providing an opportunity to display Ahmedabad’s culture, infrastructure, and the facilities developed in Gujarat and India. The centre also organised interactive sessions for representatives from international federations and athletes.
Earlier in the year, Sanghavi held discussions with officials from Commonwealth Sport during a delegation’s visit to Gujarat. This visit reviewed infrastructure plans and preparations following Ahmedabad’s confirmation as the host city. The delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare, met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar and inspected proposed competition venues as part of the planning process. Dr. Rukare also extended an invitation to the Gujarat Chief Minister to attend the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Looking ahead to the centenary Games
The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad are anticipated to strengthen India’s sporting infrastructure and support the country’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Sanghavi stated that it is a matter of pride for India that the Commonwealth’s centenary event will take place in Ahmedabad. He added that Ahmedabad is also set to organise several other international tournaments, making the current visit to Glasgow crucial.
PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, remarked on the special moment of seeing children in Glasgow flying kites for India. She noted that this offered a glimpse of the welcome Ahmedabad would provide in 2030, and expressed eagerness to build upon the efforts of Glasgow 2026 in bringing people together through sport.
In Glasgow, Reuben Ward, a gold medallist for Team Scotland, and Murali Sreeshankar, a silver medallist for Team India, participated in events looking forward to the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Inspired by Ahmedabad’s annual kite festival, 30 children from the local community group Glasgow Indians Association flew kites adorned with Scottish and Indian flags through the streets of Glasgow. The two-day kite festival is a central part of Gujarat’s cultural calendar, drawing master kite flyers, makers, and spectators globally.
Dr. Donald Rukare, Commonwealth Sport President, highlighted that this moment looks ahead to Amdavad 2030 and the ambition to build a lasting legacy for the Commonwealth Games. He also noted that with Ahmedabad and the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games on the horizon, the Movement has a bright future. India has had a strong campaign in Glasgow, securing 11 medals so far: two gold, six silver, and three bronze.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
