Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 5 : The formal commencement of preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Gujarat marks a significant step towards advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India vision and strengthening the culture of sports and fitness across the nation, a release said.
Following the conclusion of the Glasgow CWG, the Commonwealth Games Flag was handed over in Glasgow to Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, representing Gujarat as the host state for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
At the CWG, India secured fourth place with a total of 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Among India's medal tally, Indian para athletes also achieved a remarkable feat by winning 3 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Their historic performance marked India's finest-ever para athletics campaign at the Commonwealth Games and ended a 20-year wait for Indian para athletics to reach the CWG podium.
Harsh Sanghavi formally presented the Commonwealth Games Flag with full honour and dignity to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the State Cabinet meeting.
On the occasion, para athletes Rakesh Bhatt and Rohit Majgul, who represented Gujarat at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, were present. Para table tennis player Sonal Patel also joined the occasion.
The Commonwealth Games Flag will now remain in Gujarat until the 2030 CWG. Along with advancing the Fit India vision, it will serve as a source of inspiration for athletes and support the preparations for the upcoming CWG.
The entire Council of Ministers warmly welcomed as the Deputy Chief Minister presented the Commonwealth Games Flag to the Chief Minister.
During the closing ceremony of the CWG, it is a significant tradition for the current host to hand over the Commonwealth Games Flag to the next host. The handover of the flag signifies the formal passing of the responsibility to organise the Games to the next host. It reflects the continued legacy of the CWG from one host to the next. The message of unity and friendship is highlighted as the handover strengthens trust, cooperation, friendship, and the spirit of sportsmanship among Commonwealth nations. Furthermore, receiving the flag marks the official commencement of preparations by the next host, with the flag acting as a carrier of sporting values that represents and conveys fairness, excellence, mutual respect, and global brotherhood.
Thus, the purpose of handing over the Commonwealth Games Flag to the next host is not just a ceremonial tradition, but a proud symbol of hosting responsibility, unity, tradition, and the spirit of sportsmanship.
The Commonwealth Games Flag is a symbol of unity, friendship, equality, and the spirit of sportsmanship among Commonwealth nations. It inspires athletes to uphold the values of global brotherhood, mutual respect, and peace through sport. The arrival of the flag in the host city is regarded as a symbol of the beginning of preparations and the growing excitement for the Games, the release said.
The flag stands as a living symbol of unity, peace, friendship, cooperation, and the highest spirit of sportsmanship among the Commonwealth family of nations, while carrying the message, "Sport Unites Us All," to the world.