Ahmedabad Experience Center opens in Glasgow
The Amdavad Experience Center has opened in Glasgow, Scotland, offering a preview of Ahmedabad, the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the center, which highlights Ahmedabad’s heritage, culture, and sporting aspirations. The exhibition showcases the city’s rich history, its status as India’s first Unesco World Heritage City, sports infrastructure, hospitality, and Gujarati cuisine.
Sanghavi was joined by Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha and Scottish dignitaries for the inauguration. He described Ahmedabad as a city where history and modernity coexist, offering a unique blend of culture and world-class sports facilities. The center aims to provide visitors with a glimpse of what athletes and spectators can expect in 2030.
In a social media post, Sanghavi invited individuals in and around Glasgow to visit the center and experience the culture and spirit of Gujarat before the Games arrive in Ahmedabad. He also shared a video featuring garba and dandiya performances, noting that the event celebrated traditional dance forms that united people.
Preparations for the 2030 Games
An Indian delegation is currently in Glasgow to study the operational aspects of organising a multi-sport event. Officials overseeing different facets of the 2030 Games are gaining experience from the ongoing edition as preparations advance for the centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
Sanghavi emphasised Ahmedabad’s efforts to showcase its sporting infrastructure and cultural heritage. He mentioned that the Amdavad Experience Center would host sports federations and athletes from various countries, providing an opportunity to highlight Ahmedabad’s culture, infrastructure, and facilities developed in Gujarat and India. Interactive sessions have been organised with representatives from international federations and athletes.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that it is a matter of pride for India that the Commonwealth’s centenary event will take place in Ahmedabad. He added that Ahmedabad is also set to organise several other international tournaments, making the current visit crucial. The team is working to collaborate with the international fraternity to ensure a positive experience for the Games in Ahmedabad.
Earlier this year in April, Sanghavi held discussions with officials from Commonwealth Sport during a delegation’s visit to Gujarat. This visit reviewed infrastructure plans and preparations following Ahmedabad’s confirmation as the host city. Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare met with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar and inspected proposed competition venues as part of the planning process. Dr. Rukare also extended an invitation to the Gujarat Chief Minister to attend the ongoing Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad are anticipated to strengthen India’s sporting infrastructure and support the country’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, India has had a strong campaign in Glasgow, securing 11 medals so far, including two gold, six silver, and three bronze medals.
India’s medallists include Mirabai Chanu (gold, weightlifting), Sharmila Dhankar (gold, women’s shot put F57), Rishikanta Singh (silver, weightlifting), Muthupandi Raja (silver, weightlifting), Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver, weightlifting), Sarvesh Kushare (silver, men’s high jump), Harjinder Kaur (silver, weightlifting), Valluri Ajaya Babu (silver, weightlifting), BindyarDevi (bronze, weightlifting), Shilpa K. Shyla (bronze, women’s shot put F57), and Jhandu Kumar (bronze, para powerlifting).
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter