Ahmedabad, 23 February 2026
The “Commonwealth Connect Forum” was held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, bringing together representatives from the State Government, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the United Kingdom, and international sports and industry sectors to extensively discuss the future Commonwealth Games, the sports economy, and global investment opportunities.
Commonwealth Connect Forum in Ahmedabad: A Platform for Sports, Economy, and International Cooperation*
The State Government–AMC–UK delegation discussed preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, opening new avenues in sports economy, investment, and educational collaboration.
Meeting with the West Midlands Delegation: Extensive Discussions on Infrastructure, Sports Diplomacy, and Economic Partnership*
Mayor Smt. Pratibhaben Jain of Ahmedabad stated that, with the 2030 Commonwealth Games in focus, the city is strengthening international cooperation. The delegation led by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker was warmly welcomed by the citizens of Ahmedabad. She noted that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Ahmedabad is making continuous progress in sports and modern infrastructure. Due to the visionary initiatives of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harshbhai Sanghvi, continuous guidance has been received for organizing such programs. Following the General Assembly held in Glasgow in November 2025, the selection of Ahmedabad for the Commonwealth Games is a matter of pride for the city.
Mayor Smt. Pratibhaben Jain further stated that Ahmedabad has successfully hosted the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricket stadium, demonstrating its global capabilities. Modern sports facilities, including the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave at Motera and the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, have been developed. With additional electric buses, metro connectivity, a strengthened railway network, and enhanced airport facilities, the city is preparing itself with an Olympic-level vision. She added that the Commonwealth Games are not merely a sporting event but a platform embodying the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” uniting nations across the world. This international engagement will inspire the city’s athletes, coaches, and youth, while creating new avenues of collaboration with the global sporting community.
At the jointly organised forum by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and India Global Forum, Municipal Commissioner Shri Banchhanidhi Pani welcomed dignitaries, stating that Ahmedabad, associated with Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, represents a unique blend of historical legacy and modern development. He noted that Ahmedabad, recognised as a World Heritage City, has been declared the cleanest city in the country in Swachh Survekshan 2025 and has also earned a place among the safest cities due to women’s safety initiatives.
Highlighting the city’s continuous development, he stated that Ahmedabad has a Climate Resilient City Action Plan and is the only city in South Asia to have achieved eight out of nine parameters of the Climate Cities Framework. At present, 84 per cent of the AMC budget is allocated towards climate-resilient initiatives. Referring to urban planning, he added that due to the town planning system initiated in 1925, 100 per cent of the city area is now covered under planned development, with citizen participation being a key factor in this success.
Referring to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, he stated that the event is not only a sports festival but also a platform to inspire youth and create economic opportunities. Preparations for 2030 will strengthen UK–India cooperation in areas such as smart mobility, sustainable infrastructure, stadium technology, digital governance, and legacy planning. Describing sports as a diplomatic bridge, he expressed hope that city-to-city partnerships would accelerate collaboration in education, skill development, and cultural exchange.
West Midlands Mayor Shri Richard Parker described the Commonwealth Games 2022 as a transformative moment for the region. He stated that the Games held in Birmingham were far greater than a sporting event. They showcased Birmingham and the West Midlands’ industrial heritage, cultural diversity, civic pride, and energy on a global platform. The event contributed over 1.2 billion pounds to the UK economy, generated more than 22,000 employment opportunities, and recorded ticket sales exceeding 1.5 million. Notably, the Games were completed successfully on time and below the estimated budget. He emphasised that the true legacy of the Games extends beyond numbers, leaving a lasting impact on community volunteers, young athletes, and regional confidence.
He expressed confidence in Ahmedabad’s preparations for 2030, stating that the city’s strong ambition, infrastructure development, and grassroots sports programmes reflect a robust and emerging sporting identity. Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary celebration of the Commonwealth and will be a historic edition. Ahmedabad can successfully organise it. The West Midlands delegation remains committed to working with Ahmedabad as a friend and partner, sharing the experience and lessons of 2022 to foster stronger connections among businesses, universities, cultural institutions, and youth networks.
Shri Manoj Ladwa, Chairman and CEO of India Global Forum, stated that Gujarat is not merely preparing for the future but "rebuilding the future," placing sports at the centre of India’s national rise. Referring to the world’s largest Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium and the world-class sports infrastructure developed in Gujarat, he said that under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, sports have evolved from a recreational activity into a national strategy encompassing grassroots participation, Olympic ambitions, and global-standard facilities.
He emphasised that the Commonwealth Games 2030 is not just about hosting an event but an opportunity to position Gujarat and India as confident global economic powers. Highlighting Gujarat’s economic strength, he stated that the state contributes approximately 8 per cent to India’s GDP, accounts for 20 per cent of national exports, and handles nearly 40 per cent of carbon travel despite having only 5 per cent of the country’s population. He added that the global visibility from the Games must be converted into structured and long-term economic benefits.
Describing the Commonwealth as India’s most underutilised economic platform, he stressed the need to move from “dialogue to delivery.” He underscored structured investment flows, capital management through GIFT City, and the development of sustainable athlete and skill ecosystems. The legacy, he said, must extend beyond stadiums to human capital development, joint research platforms, athlete training systems, and long-term professional partnerships between Gujarat and the West Midlands.
Referring to the growing UK–India partnership and recent trade agreements, he stated that the present time is filled with clear and practical opportunities. Sports infrastructure collaboration can become a gateway for clean energy integration, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, and financial engineering. He concluded by stating that hosting the Commonwealth Games should catalyse productivity, institutional strengthening, and global confidence, while transforming diaspora connections into strong economic pathways and converting ambition into disciplined, measurable outcomes.
In addition, the session titled “From Birmingham 2022 to Ahmedabad 2030” featured discussions by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, Gagan Narang of the Indian Olympic Association, Neil Rami of West Midlands Growth Company, and Nilachal Mishra of KPMG on the economic and social impact of the Games and long-term urban development.
The session on “International Sports Diplomacy & Soft Power” included Shivangi Ambani (UK Government), Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Craig Flindall (Edgbaston Stadium), and Vice Chancellor David Mba of Birmingham City University, who described sports as a powerful tool for global cooperation and strengthening cities’ international identities.
In the session on infrastructure and urban redevelopment, Samir Sinha (Savvy Group), Shekharbhai Patel (CREDAI), Vijay Tank (COO, E.ON UK), and Ashwinikumar, Principal Secretary, Energy and Petrochemicals Department, elaborated on the requirements of stadiums, energy systems, urban development, and green infrastructure.
The “Sports Economy of the Future” session featured Arvinder Singh of the Gujarat Titans, Prem Singh, and Ed Shadday discussing new sports formats and the development of league-based models. The “Financing India’s Sporting Ambition” session saw Prashanth Shanthakumaran and Charlie Cowdrey explain investment opportunities and private participation in sports.
In the session “Commonwealth Reflections: Backing Champions, Building Legacy,” Ravi Bengani of the Bowling Federation of India and para-badminton champion Mansi Joshi emphasised the importance of international-standard facilities for athletes.
In the concluding address, Shri Banchhanidhi Pani, Shri Richard Parker, and Shri William Carney expressed optimism about strengthening the India–UK partnership.
The event was attended in large numbers by the West Midlands delegation, business leaders associated with sports infrastructure, green energy, and various sectors, Deputy Municipal Commissioners, AMC officials, and office bearers.
