Glasgow experiences Ahmedabad culture ahead of 2030 Commonwealth Games

By Sanjay Menon — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Glasgow recently hosted events showcasing Ahmedabad’s culture and sporting ambitions, as preparations continue for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. These events provided a glimpse into what athletes and spectators can expect when the Games are held in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Amdavad Experience Center in Glasgow, Scotland. The centre highlights Ahmedabad’s heritage, culture, and sporting aspirations. Accompanying Sanghavi at the inauguration were Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P T Usha and various Scottish dignitaries. The exhibition at the centre features Ahmedabad’s history, its UNESCO World Heritage status, sports infrastructure, hospitality, and Gujarati cuisine.

Showcasing Ahmedabad’s readiness

Sanghavi described Ahmedabad as a city where history and modernity converge, stating that the experience centre offers a preview of the city for 2030 Commonwealth Games participants. He noted that Ahmedabad, as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, provides a mix of history, culture, heritage, sports infrastructure, hospitality, and Gujarati cuisine. He also invited people in and around Glasgow to visit the centre to experience the “colours, culture, flavours and spirit of Gujarat” before the Games.

A video shared by Sanghavi on X featured garba and dandiya performances with local residents and international participants, illustrating the cultural exchange between Gujarat and Glasgow. He commented that “From Gujarat to Glasgow, the rhythm remains the same,” highlighting the event as a celebration that united people through traditional Gujarati dance forms.

An Indian delegation was in Glasgow to study the operational aspects of organising a multi-sport event. Officials involved in the 2030 Games were gaining direct experience from the ongoing event, as preparations for the centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad accelerate.

Community engagement and future plans

Children from the Glasgow Indians Association flew kites decorated with Scottish and Indian flags along John Street in Glasgow city centre. This event was inspired by Ahmedabad’s annual kite festival, a significant cultural event in Gujarat that attracts kite flyers and spectators globally. Reuben Ward, a gold medallist for Scotland at Glasgow 2026, and Murali Sreeshankar, a silver medallist for India, joined representatives from Commonwealth Sport and Team India to anticipate the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

P T Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, expressed that seeing children in Glasgow fly kites for India was a special moment. She added that it offered a small taste of the welcome Ahmedabad would extend in 2030, and looked forward to building on the legacy of Glasgow 2026 in uniting people through sport.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also highlighted Ahmedabad’s efforts to showcase its sporting infrastructure and cultural heritage. He mentioned that the Ahmedabad Experience Centre would host sports federations and athletes from various countries, providing an opportunity to display Ahmedabad’s culture, infrastructure, and facilities developed in Gujarat and India. Interactive sessions were organised for representatives from international federations and athletes.

Sanghavi emphasised the pride associated with Ahmedabad hosting the Commonwealth’s centenary event. He noted that Ahmedabad is also set to organise several other international tournaments, making the visit to Glasgow crucial. He stated that the team is working towards delivering a historic sporting event and collaborating with the international community to ensure a positive experience for the Games in Ahmedabad.

Earlier in the year, Sanghavi met with officials from Commonwealth Sport during a delegation visit to Gujarat. This visit was to review infrastructure plans and preparations after Ahmedabad was confirmed as the host city. The delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare, inspected proposed competition venues as part of the planning process. The 2030 Commonwealth Games are anticipated to enhance India’s sporting infrastructure and support the country’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, India has had a strong performance in Glasgow, securing 11 medals, including two gold, six silver, and three bronze medals.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com