Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony Glasgow; India to host Ahmedabad 2030
Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony: Glasgow passes on baton as India begin road to Ahmedabad 2030
Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony: Glasgow passes on baton as India begin road to Ahmedabad 2030
India launched their journey to Ahmedabad 2030 with a cultural showcase led by acclaimed singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially came to a close in Glasgow on Sunday as India took over as hosts of the centenary edition of the Games, set to be held in Ahmedabad in 2030.
The handover ceremony at the Hydro marked the transition from Scotland to India, with the Commonwealth Flag officially passed on in the presence of former Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha .
India then launched their journey to Ahmedabad 2030 with a cultural showcase led by acclaimed singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar .
The presentation opened with Vande Mataram before colourful dance performances and music highlighted the country’s cultural diversity under the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”).
An audiovisual presentation then looked ahead to Ahmedabad 2030, tracing India’s sporting journey while offering a glimpse of the centenary Commonwealth Games .
Earlier in the ceremony, Glasgow 2026 boxing gold medallist Jaismine Lamboria carried the Tricolour during the athletes’ parade as competitors from all 74 participating nations entered the arena.
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem performed Born to Try during the parade, while the ceremony also paid tribute to the thousands of volunteers who helped stage the Games.
Scottish performers, including Sandi Thom, Elephant Sessions and Primal Scream, entertained the crowd throughout the evening, alongside a video montage celebrating memorable moments from the 11-day competition.
In his closing address, Glasgow 2026 Chair George Black wished Ahmedabad success in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
“From Glasgow to Ahmedabad, two great river cities, we wish you every success as you prepare to welcome the centenary Games,” he said.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, then officially declared the Commonwealth Games 2026 closed and invited athletes from across the Commonwealth to reunite in Ahmedabad in four years’ time.
The ceremony also brought the curtains down on India’s Glasgow 2026 campaign, with the contingent finishing fourth in the medal standings after winning 39 medals - 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze.
With the Commonwealth Flag now in Indian hands, the countdown to Ahmedabad 2030 has officially begun.
Picture by 2026 Getty Images
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