Glasgow, August 1: Ahmedabad’s preparations to host the 100th edition of the Commonwealth Games will officially commence this Sunday. During the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Ahmedabad will receive the Commonwealth Games flag and the host baton. Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghvi, is present at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games for this occasion.
During the closing ceremony, the Commonwealth Games flag and host baton will be officially handed over to representatives from Ahmedabad alongside a cultural program.
The handover ceremony will also showcase a preview of Ahmedabad 2030, featuring a program that highlights India’s cultural heritage and the identity of Gujarat. A notable aspect of the ceremony is the Kings Baton Relay, one of the oldest traditions of the Commonwealth Games.
According to Commonwealth Sport, this relay will pass through all 74 Commonwealth countries and territories.
For the first time in the history of the Games, each participating country and territory will receive its own baton, allowing them to showcase their culture, heritage, and creativity. Each baton will carry a message from King Charles III of the UK, who delivers the initial message during the relay. The baton is carried by individuals who contribute positively to society, ultimately arriving in the host city before the Games. The Kings Baton Relay was first introduced at the Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff in 1958.
The Glasgow handover segment is designed in three parts. The opening act will celebrate the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” Following this, sitar player Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish piper Ross Ainslie will perform a classical Indian “jugalbandi,” showcasing the connection between Glasgow 2026 and Ahmedabad 2030.
The final segment will present a visual journey across India, with a special focus on Gujarat.
Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Ceremony Officer for Glasgow 2026, stated that this handover is much more than a ceremonial tradition.
She said, “It will bring the spirit of two nations onto the same stage through the fusion of Indian sitar and Scottish pipes, while also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.”
Mahon indicated that the audience in Glasgow will get the first glimpse of the Ahmedabad 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Chanda Singh, the ceremony director for Glasgow 2026, mentioned that the program is designed to showcase a confident India deeply connected to its traditions.
She said, “Ahmedabad 2030 will mark the centenary of the Commonwealth Games, and the ceremony in Glasgow will be the first chapter of this historic journey.”
The Commonwealth Games began in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will celebrate the 100th year of the Games.
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