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As the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow come to a close, Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao have already set their sights on the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in Ahmedabad. They expressed optimism that this upcoming event will herald a transformative era for sports in India.

In a statement made to a news agency prior to the closing ceremony, Sanghavi noted that the transfer of the Commonwealth Games flag and Host Baton to Ahmedabad would signify the official commencement of India's preparations for the centenary edition of the Games in 2030. He remarked, "While the closing ceremony unfolds in Glasgow, the world will experience Indian culture through this event. Our artists are set to present a vibrant showcase of our heritage on this global platform, marking a historic moment. Although the 2026 Games are concluding, our journey towards the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad starts today."

Sanghavi emphasized that the 2030 Games would provide a significant opportunity for millions of young Indians. He highlighted the government's commitment to sports, noting that Prime Minister Modi has increased the sports budget eightfold to enhance performance. Additionally, he mentioned a new campaign aimed at promoting fitness and combating substance abuse among youth, indicating India's readiness to foster a healthier and stronger future.

Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, stated that hosting the Commonwealth Games is a crucial step towards India's broader sporting ambitions, including the goal of hosting the Olympics in the future. He said, "We are preparing to host the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, and we also aspire to host the Olympics. As we aim for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, it is essential for India to rank among the top nations in sports. Achieving these milestones requires collective enthusiasm and participation, and I am optimistic about a bright future ahead."

The closing ceremony will include the ceremonial handover of the Commonwealth Games flag and Host Baton from Glasgow to Ahmedabad, officially designating the Indian city as the host for the landmark 2030 Commonwealth Games.

India enters the closing ceremony after a remarkable performance at the Commonwealth Games, finishing fourth in the medal tally with a total of 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze. Australia led the standings with 170 medals, including 70 gold.

While India's overall medal count was lower than the 61 medals achieved at Birmingham 2022, the Glasgow campaign featured a smaller team. India sent 122 athletes to Scotland, compared to 210 four years prior, with 38 athletes returning home with medals. Distance runner Gulveer Singh notably contributed two medals, showcasing an improved medal conversion rate of approximately 31% compared to 29% at the last Games.

The Indian contingent was bolstered by a record-breaking boxing team, which secured 10 medals, including 7 gold and 3 silver. Athletics added another 10 medals, while Para Athletics contributed 6. Weightlifting brought home 8 medals, judo secured 4, and Jhandu Kumar earned the country's only powerlifting medal with a bronze.

With the competition concluded for all Indian athletes, the focus now shifts from Glasgow to Ahmedabad, where preparations will begin for the Commonwealth Games, marking India's first hosting since Delhi 2010 and the centenary edition of this multi-sport event in 2030.