As Ahmedabad prepares to bid for the 2036 Olympics, the Gujarat government has indicated that it may also bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The news comes on the heels of Victoria, Australia’s decision earlier, due to rising costs, this week to pull out of hosting the 2026 event.
Though the Gujarat government initially aimed to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and planned to complete all necessary infrastructure projects by 2028. Now, for the 2026 event, they are optimistic that they will obtain the necessary financing and are seriously considering an earlier bid. Also, get support from the Central Government.
An integral part of this ambitious undertaking, Union Home Secretary Amit Shah is personally monitoring the progress of projects linked to the Olympic bid. Sources have revealed that the top BJP leaders have tasked the state government to start working on all relevant projects simultaneously.
From hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, in light of Victoria’s recent exit, confidence is high within the Gujarat government. Sources have indicated that all infrastructure work for its Olympic Games bid will be completed by 2026.
What do we know so far?
However, for Ahmedabad’s Olympic bid, an Australia-based international sports architecture firm was recently appointed to prepare the master plan. It intends to develop the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex and Naranpura Sports Complex around the Narendra Modi Stadium. If Ahmedabad successfully bids for the 2036 Summer Olympics, these facilities will host most of the Olympic events.
Spread over 236 acres, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel sports venue in Motera is estimated to cost around Rs 4,600 crore. The facility will house over 20 sports disciplines in a built-up area of more than 93 lakh square feet. Plans for the massive project also include providing 3,000 apartments for athletes, support staff, sports officials, and others.
Earlier this year, for the progress of projects related to Ahmedabad’s Olympic bid, the state government established two committees to monitor. The Advisory Committee, headed by the Chief Minister and co-chaired by the Union Sports Minister, includes the Chief Secretary of State, the Union Sports Secretary, and a representative of the Indian Olympic Association. The chief secretary of state chairs the executive committee and includes the heads of the urban development and sports departments, the Sports Authority of India, and several other major bodies, respectively.