Glasgow to Ahmedabad: Gujarat receives Commonwealth Games flag as 2030 countdown begins

The Commonwealth Games flag was formally presented to Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.After returning from Glasgow, deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi handed over the flag to Patel during the state cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar.Sanghavi had attended the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday along with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha. During the ceremony, the Commonwealth Games flag was officially handed over to India as Ahmedabad prepares to host the next edition in 2030.According to an official release, "deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi formally presented the Commonwealth Games Flag, with full honour and dignity, to chief minister Bhupendra Patel during the state cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar."Para-athletes Rakesh Bhatt and Rohit Majgul, who represented Gujarat at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, were present during the ceremony. Para table tennis player Sonal Patel also attended.The release added, "The Commonwealth Games Flag will now remain in Gujarat until the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Along with advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Fit India' vision, it will serve as an inspiration for athletes and symbolise the commencement of preparations for the upcoming event."Speaking to reporters after arriving at Ahmedabad Airport earlier in the day, Sanghavi said the city aims to set a new standard for hosting the Commonwealth Games."These Games will be organised with grandeur and with the best possible arrangements for the athletes. They will be conducted in such a way that every athlete can deliver his best performance," the deputy CM said.Sanghavi, who also holds the sports portfolio, said the Gujarat government remains committed to taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India movement and anti-drug campaign."We will advance the anti-drug campaign and the Fit India Movement so that the youth of the country receive maximum opportunities in the sports sector. The Gujarat Government is working towards this goal. Under the guidance of the Government of India, we will continue to move this work forward," he said.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.