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Glasgow hands baton
The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially came to a close in Glasgow on Sunday as India took over as hosts of the centenary edition set to be held in Ahmedabad in 2030.
“The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially came to a close in Glasgow on Sunday as India took over as hosts of the centenary edition of the Games, set to be held in Ahmedabad in 2030.”
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing King Charles III, formally declared the Games closed and invited athletes from across the Commonwealth to reunite in Ahmedabad in four years' time.
The handover ceremony at the Hydro marked the transition from Scotland to India, with the Commonwealth Flag officially passed on in the presence of former Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha.
Earlier in the ceremony, Glasgow 2026 boxing gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria carried the Tricolour during the athletes' parade as competitors from all 74 participating nations entered the arena.
In his closing address, Glasgow 2026 Chair George Black wished Ahmedabad success in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030, saying, "From Glasgow to Ahmedabad, two great river cities, we wish you every success as you prepare to welcome the centenary Games,".
Culture and uncertainty
India launched its journey to Ahmedabad 2030 with a cultural showcase that opened with Vande Mataram and used the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, "("the world is one family")."
The presentation included a fusion performance featuring sitar maestro Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish piper Ross Ainslie, as well as cultural performances led by Shankar Mahadevan and Manushi Chhillar.
The BBC framed the moment with a warning that future certainty is not guaranteed, quoting Raghu Iyer, chief executive of the Indian Olympic Association: "I don't think one can give any guarantees,".
The BBC also noted that the 2026 Games delivered "Eleven days. 674 medals. Thousands of happy fans," while the next hosts face the question of whether Ahmedabad can provide certainty after Victoria withdrew in 2023.
Raghu Iyer’s caution landed as the Commonwealth Games baton and flag moved into Indian hands, with the countdown to Ahmedabad 2030 described as officially begun.
What’s at stake
The BBC said Ahmedabad now stands where Victoria did four years ago as the next hosts of an event that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2030, and it linked the future to a shift in scheduling and costs.
“"extend a gruelling season"”
It reported that a move to October for Ahmedabad will free athletics from a scheduling tussle with the European Championships but will "extend a gruelling season" for athletes.
The BBC also put numbers on the scale of the challenge, saying the budget for Ahmedabad 2030 is almost double Glasgow's £160m, while the number of sports rises to 17 from the 10 in Glasgow.
The BBC added that the main venue will be the 120,000-seater cricket stadium named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it said the Commonwealths look set to reintroduce cricket, shooting, archery and hockey.
With the Games positioned as a step toward India hosting the Olympics and Paralympics, the BBC said the next edition will be watched closely given "Given the issues at Delhi 2010, plenty will be watching with interest,".
