No Plans To Host 2026 Commonwealth Games In Ahmedabad: Gujarat Government

The Gujarat government officials on Wednesday clarified that no decision has been taken by the state so far to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, and said that acquiring the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics is its focus. The officials denied reports published in a section of media which suggested that the state authorities may bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games at Ahmedabad after Australia suddenly pulled out from hosting the games due to cost concerns. Asked if the state government is mulling to bag the hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a senior government official, on the condition of anonymity, said he was "not aware of any such move so far".

Deputy Secretary (Sports) in the state Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department, U A Patel, also denied such news reports saying the focus of the department is 2036 Olympics.

"Our focus right now is to acquire hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics. As of now, no decision has been taken from our side to bid for 2026 Commonwealth Games," Patel told PTI.

Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat had earlier announced it was aiming to bag the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games and authorities will engage with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about organising the quadrennial sporting event in the western state.

The state government has identified two mega sports complexes in Ahmedabad to host some of the events in case Gujarat wins the bid to organise the 2036 Olympics.

These two upcoming complexes are – the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which houses Narendra Modi Stadium, in the Motera area and another upcoming sports complex in the Naranpura area of Ahmedabad city.

In December 2022,