Glasgow hailed for saving Games as baton passes to Amdavad
Glasgow has successfully concluded its hosting of the Commonwealth Games, with organizers praising the city for saving the event after the original host withdrew. The Commonwealth flag has now been passed to the Indian city of Amdavad, which is set to host the centenary games in 2030.
Why it matters
The event demonstrates a new, sustainable model for hosting large-scale international sporting events that may influence future bidding processes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The closing ceremony included a spectacular fireworks display above the Clyde
The man responsible for delivering Glasgow 2026 said the city had "saved and reinvented" the Commonwealth Games, three years after its future was plunged into doubt.
Ahead of Sunday's closing ceremony - which featured a dazzling fireworks display over the River Clyde - Phil Batty recalled how Glasgow stepped up when the original hosts pulled out.
And he believes the legacy of the sustainable, scaled-back Games will shape the future of the multi-sports event.
The Commonwealth flag was last night ceremonially handed over to the Indian city of Amdavad, which will stage the centenary event in 2030.
But Batty said Glasgow's decision to host the event for a second time in 12 years would never be forgotten.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in