Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Wednesday said preparations for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad are being stepped up, with the state government focusing on developing world-class sports infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for athletes. He said the Games would be a landmark event for Gujarat and India, providing a platform to showcase the country’s sporting excellence and organisational capabilities on the global stage.

Addressing the media after arriving at Ahmedabad Airport following his overseas visit, Sanghavi said the Gujarat Government, in close coordination with the Centre, has begun implementing a structured roadmap to ensure timely development of sports infrastructure, training facilities and other key projects required for hosting the prestigious multi-sport event.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sports and youth development have witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade. According to Sanghavi, several flagship initiatives launched by the Central Government have transformed the sporting landscape by encouraging greater participation, improving infrastructure and supporting athletes at every stage of their careers.

Referring to the Fit India Movement, Sanghavi said the campaign has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement, encouraging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and making physical fitness an integral part of everyday life. He also highlighted the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, stating that the campaign is helping create a healthier, more aware and socially responsible generation of young Indians.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the Union Government’s substantial increase in the sports budget has enabled the development of modern stadiums, training centres and high-performance facilities across the country. As a result, Indian athletes now have access to international-standard coaching, sports science support, nutrition programmes and advanced training infrastructure, allowing them to compete successfully at global sporting events.

He said the collaboration between the Central Government and the Gujarat Government is aimed at providing talented athletes from Gujarat and across India with better opportunities to excel. Efforts are being made to strengthen grassroots sports, identify promising talent at an early stage and ensure that athletes receive comprehensive support to compete at the highest levels.

Sanghavi reiterated that the Gujarat Government remains fully committed to helping the state’s athletes achieve success at national and international competitions while bringing greater recognition to Gujarat as a leading sporting destination.

Earlier in the day, while speaking to ANI, Sanghavi said India would seek to build on its recent sporting achievements and target the top position in the medal standings when Ahmedabad hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

He credited Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on sports for India’s steady rise in international competitions. “Prime Minister Modi increased the budget for sports by nearly eight times to ensure that our athletes perform well. The Commonwealth Games will be organised in Ahmedabad in 2030, and I congratulate all the athletes on this historic opportunity. We will continue to take forward the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Fit India’. The Gujarat Government, under the guidance of the Government of India, is working to ensure that the maximum number of athletes receive opportunities in the sports sector,” he said.

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Sanghavi also referred to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), under which elite Indian athletes receive financial assistance, world-class coaching and scientific support to prepare for major international competitions. He said such initiatives have played an important role in India’s improved performances at global sporting events, including the recent Commonwealth Games, where the country secured fourth place in the overall medal tally.

Describing the 2030 Commonwealth Games as a defining moment for Indian sports, Sanghavi said Ahmedabad has the potential to set new benchmarks in the organisation of international sporting events through state-of-the-art venues, efficient infrastructure and seamless event management.

He expressed confidence that with sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development and youth participation, India would not only host a memorable edition of the Commonwealth Games but also strive to finish at the top of the medal standings. According to him, the Games will inspire a new generation of athletes, strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and further establish Gujarat as one of the country’s leading centres for sports and international events.