Ahmedabad 2025: Hosting Three Major International Sports Events

Why in news ?

• Ahmedabad in 2025 will host three major international sports events – the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship, the Asian Aquatics Championship, and the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
• This initiative is a significant step in establishing Gujarat as an emerging global sports hub in India.
• With state-of-the-art infrastructure and government support, the city will strengthen its presence in the international sports circuit.

1. Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship

• Dates: 24–30 August 2025
• Venue: Narnapura Sports Complex, Ahmedabad
• Participants: 350+ athletes from 29 countries
• Significance: This championship will reinforce India’s position in weightlifting and provide international recognition to the country.

2. Asian Aquatics Championship

• Tentative Dates: September–October 2025
• Expected Participants: China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries
• Sports: Swimming, diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming
• Significance: By attracting Asia’s top aquatic talents, it will firmly place India on the Asian aquatic sports map.

3. AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

• Dates: 22–30 November 2025
• Venue: The Arena by TransStadia, Ahmedabad
• Group D Teams: India, Iran, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon
• Significance: Highlights India’s growing role in football development and provides opportunities for international competition.

Future International Sports Plans

• Asian Weightlifting Championship – 2026
• Archery Asia Para Cup (World Ranking Tournament) – 2026
• World Police and Fire Games – 2029 (Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Ekta Nagar)
• Commonwealth Games – 2030
• Significance: These events reflect the state’s ambition to establish Gujarat as a major international sports destination.

Infrastructure and Policy Support

• Multi-sport facilities such as Narnapura Sports Complex and TransStadia Arena
• Gujarat Government’s Sports Policy 2022–27
• Investment in high-performance centers and athlete development
• Promotion of sports tourism and international hosting capabilities