Glasgow experiences Ahmedabad’s culture ahead of 2030 Commonwealth Games
Glasgow has been introduced to the culture and sporting ambitions of Ahmedabad, the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This preview comes as preparations for the centenary edition of the Games gather pace in Ahmedabad, India.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Amdavad Experience Center in Glasgow, Scotland. The centre aims to showcase Ahmedabad’s heritage, culture, and sporting aspirations. Sanghavi was joined by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P T Usha and other Scottish dignitaries at the opening of the centre, which coincides with the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The exhibition at the Amdavad Experience Center 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 coexist, offering visitors a glimpse into what athletes and spectators can expect in 2030. He noted that as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad provides a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, timeless heritage, world-class sports facilities, warm hospitality, and globally loved Gujarati cuisine.
Sanghavi extended an invitation via social media for people in and around Glasgow to visit the centre and experience the “colours, culture, flavours and spirit of Gujarat” before the Games arrive in Ahmedabad. He also shared a video featuring garba and dandiya performances with local residents and international participants, emphasizing the unifying power of Gujarat’s traditional dance forms.
Preparations and International Collaboration
An Indian delegation has been in Glasgow to study the operational aspects of organizing a multi-sport event. Officials overseeing various facets of the 2030 Games are gaining first-hand experience from the current edition of the Commonwealth Games, which is crucial as Ahmedabad prepares to host the centenary event.
The Ahmedabad Experience Center is designed to host sports federations and athletes from various countries, providing an opportunity to showcase Ahmedabad’s culture, infrastructure, and the facilities developed in Gujarat and India. Interactive sessions have been organized for representatives from international federations and athletes.
Sanghavi highlighted the significance of the event for India, stating that it is a matter of pride for the country to host the Commonwealth’s centenary event in Ahmedabad. He also mentioned plans to organize several other international tournaments in Ahmedabad, making the current visit to Glasgow particularly important. The team is working towards delivering a historic sporting event and collaborating with the international community to ensure a positive experience for the Games in Ahmedabad.
Earlier in the year, Sanghavi held discussions with officials from Commonwealth Sport during a high-level delegation’s visit to Gujarat. This visit was to review infrastructure plans and preparations following Ahmedabad’s confirmation as the host city. The delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare, met with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar and inspected proposed competition venues as part of the planning process. Dr. Rukare also invited the Gujarat Chief Minister to attend the ongoing Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
In a separate event, children from the Glasgow Indians Association flew kites decorated with Scottish and Indian flags along John Street in Glasgow city centre. This activity was inspired by Ahmedabad’s annual kite festival and served to herald the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Reuben Ward, a gold medallist for Scotland at Glasgow 2026, and Murali Sreeshankar, a silver medallist for India, joined representatives from Commonwealth Sport and Team India to anticipate the 2030 Games.
The two-day kite festival in Gujarat is a significant cultural event, attracting expert kite flyers, makers, and spectators globally, with thousands of kites filling the sky. P T Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, expressed that seeing children in Glasgow fly kites for India was a special moment, offering a small taste of the welcome Ahmedabad will extend in 2030. She also conveyed excitement to build upon the legacy of Glasgow 2026 in uniting people through sport.
Scottish gymnast Reuben Ward shared his hope to represent Team Scotland in India in four years. Murali Sreeshankar, India’s long jump silver medallist, noted the excitement of the Games beginning their journey to his home country and the anticipation of welcoming the world in 2030. He observed the strong community support for the Games and athletes in Glasgow, suggesting a new era for the Games that will be special in Ahmedabad.
Dr. Donald Rukare, Commonwealth Sport President, stated that this moment looks ahead to Amdavad 2030 and the ambition to build a lasting legacy for the Commonwealth Games. He added that with Amdavad and the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games on the horizon, the Movement has a bright future. The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad are expected to strengthen India’s sporting infrastructure and support the country’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, India has had a strong performance at the ongoing Glasgow Commonwealth Games, securing 11 medals so far, comprising two gold, six silver, and three bronze medals.
The official handover for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is scheduled for this Sunday.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Menon 