New Delhi: The Commonwealth Games 2026 concluded in Glasgow on Sunday, with India formally taking over hosting duties for the centenary edition, scheduled for Ahmedabad in 2030.
The handover ceremony took place at the Hydro, where the Commonwealth Flag was passed from Scotland to India. Former Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha were present for the moment.
India’s countdown to Ahmedabad 2030 began with a cultural segment led by singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar. The presentation opened with Vande Mataram, followed by dance and music performances built around the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family.”
An audiovisual segment then traced India’s sporting evolution and previewed what athletes and fans can expect at the centenary Games, according to reports.
Earlier in the closing ceremony, Glasgow 2026 boxing gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria led the Indian contingent by carrying the Tricolour during the athletes’ parade, as competitors from all 74 participating nations entered the arena.
Australian artist Delta Goodrem performed “Born to Try” during the parade, and organisers used the occasion to acknowledge the volunteers who supported the Games.
Scottish performers Sandi Thom, Elephant Sessions and Primal Scream provided entertainment through the evening, alongside a video retrospective of standout moments from the 11-day event.
Glasgow 2026 Chair George Black extended good wishes to Ahmedabad in his closing remarks, noting that the two host cities share a river-city identity as the baton passes on. Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, then formally declared the Games closed and invited athletes to reconvene in Ahmedabad in four years.
India’s campaign in Glasgow ended with a fourth-place finish in the medal standings, securing 39 medals in total – 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. With the Commonwealth Flag now in Indian hands, preparations for Ahmedabad 2030 are officially underway.
