India will officially begin their journey as host of the Commonwealth Games 2030 with a star-studded cultural presentation at the Glasgow 2026 closing ceremony at the Hydro on August 2.
The closing ceremony will see India receive the Commonwealth Games flag from Scotland, formally handing over hosting duties for the centenary edition of the multi-sport event to Ahmedabad.
The 20-minute India Handover Segment will feature some of the country’s leading performers, including acclaimed singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, actress and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, playback singer Bhoomi Trivedi and musicians Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan.
Designed as a celebration of India’s culture and heritage, the performance will unfold in three acts while offering audiences a first glimpse of what to expect from Ahmedabad 2030.
The opening act commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s national song, with Manushi Chhillar leading a large ensemble of dancers in a theatrical performance celebrating the country’s cultural identity.
The second act presents a cross-cultural musical collaboration between Indian sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish piper Ross Ainslie, blending Indian classical music with traditional Scottish sounds to symbolise the transition from Glasgow 2026 to Ahmedabad 2030.
The finale will celebrate India’s musical heritage with a special tribute to Gujarat, the host state of the Commonwealth Games 2030. Shankar Mahadevan will perform alongside his sons Siddharth and Shivam, joined by Gujarat-born singer Bhoomi Trivedi, accompanied by large-scale choreography and visual effects.
The Indian showcase forms part of the Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony, which will also feature Scottish rock band Simple Minds, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, Cammy Barnes, BEMZ, Sandi Thom, Shereen Cutkelvin, Elephant Sessions, radio presenter George Bowie and dance group Diversity.
Ahmedabad was confirmed as the host city for the Commonwealth Games 2030 in November. The centenary edition will mark the second time India has hosted the Games after New Delhi 2010.
India’s campaign at Delhi 2010 remains its most successful Commonwealth Games performance, with 101 medals, including 38 golds, to finish second in the medal standings.
