Commonwealth Games

For the most recent event, see 2022 Commonwealth Games. For the next event, see 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games
Seal of the Commonwealth Games Federation
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Commonwealth Games
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The Commonwealth Games[a] is a quadrennial international multi-sport event among athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, which consists mostly, but not exclusively, of territories of the former British Empire. The event was first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 (which were cancelled due to World War II), has successively run every four years since.[5] The event was called the British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950 (four editions), the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966 (four editions), and the British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974 (two editions). The event removed the word British from its title for the 1978 Games and has maintained its current name ever since (twelve editions as of 2024).

Athletes with a disability have been included as full members of their national teams since 2002, making the Commonwealth Games the first fully inclusive international multi-sport event.[6] In 2018, the Games became the first global multi-sport event to feature an equal number of men's and women's medal events, and four years later they became the first global multi-sport event to have more events for women than men.[7]

Inspired by the Inter-Empire Championships, part of the 1911 Festival of Empire, Melville Marks Robinson founded the British Empire Games which was first held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.[8] As time progressed, the Games evolved, adding the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games for athletes with a disability (who were barred from competing from 1974 before being fully integrated by 1990)[9] and the Commonwealth Youth Games for athletes aged 14 to 18.

The event is overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which controls the sporting programme and selects host cities. The games movement consists of international sports federations (IFs), Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) and organising committees for each specific Commonwealth Games. Certain traditions, such as the hoisting of the Commonwealth Games flag and Queen's Baton Relay, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, are unique to the Games. Over 4,500 athletes competed at the latest Commonwealth Games in 25 sports and over 250 medal events, including Olympic and Paralympic sports and certain non-Olympic sports popular in Commonwealth countries: netball, lawn bowls and squash.[10] Usually, the first, second and third-place finishers in each event are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively. Several sports, such as rugby sevens (2016) and squash (2028) have appeared at the Commonwealth Games before later being added to the Olympic schedule, while netball and lawn bowls remain Commonwealth Games sports only.

One of the differences from other multisport events is that fifteen CGAs participating in the Commonwealth Games do not send their delegations independently to the Olympic, Paralympic and other multisports competitions: thirteen are linked to the British Olympic Association, one is part of the Australian Olympic Committee and another is part of the New Zealand Olympic Committee. They are the four constituent Home Nations of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), six of the British Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena and Turks and Caicos Islands), the Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey), along with the Australian territory of Norfolk Island and the New Zealand associated state of Niue. Despite being overseas territories rather than sovereign states, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands send their own delegations to the Olympic Games.[11]

Twenty cities in nine countries (counting England, Scotland and Wales as separate Commonwealth Games federations) have hosted the games. Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games five times (1938, 1962, 1982, 2006 and 2018), more than any other nation. Two cities have hosted Commonwealth Games more than once: Auckland (1950, 1990) and Edinburgh (1970, 1986).[12] Glasgow will be the third city to host the games more than once (2014 and 2026). The most recent Commonwealth Games, the 22nd or XXII, was held in Birmingham from 28 July to 8 August 2022.

The confirmation of hosts has become a major issue for the event as the withdrawal of numerous host cities for the 2026 Commonwealth Games led to speculation that the 2022 edition may have been the last.[13][14] However, the city of Glasgow was confirmed as the host city for the 2026 games in September 2024.[15][16]

The next Commonwealth Games, the 23rd or XXIII, will be held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

History

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A sporting competition bringing together the members of the British Empire was first proposed by John Astley Cooper in 1891, five years before the first modern Olympic Games, who wrote letters and articles for several periodicals suggesting a "Pan Brittanic, Pan Anglican Contest every four years as a means of increasing goodwill and understanding of the British Empire."[17] John Astley Cooper Committees were formed in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to promote the idea and inspired Pierre de Coubertin to start the international Olympic Games movement.[18][19]

In 1911, an Inter-Empire Championship was held alongside the Festival of Empire, at The Crystal Palace in London to celebrate the coronation of George V, and were championed by The Earl of Plymouth and Lord Desborough.[20][21] Teams from Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom competed in events for athletics, boxing, swimming and wrestling.[22] Canada won the championships and was presented with a silver cup (gifted by Lord Lonsdale) which was 2 feet 6 inches (76 cm) high and weighed 340 ounces (9.6 kg). A correspondent of the Auckland Star criticised the Games, calling them a "grievous disappointment" that were "not worthy of the title of 'Empire Sports'".[23]

While planning for the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Amateur Athletic Union of Canada executive J. Howard Crocker spoke with journalist Melville Marks Robinson of The Hamilton Spectator, about hosting an international sporting event in Canada. Robinson proposed and lobbied to host what became the British Empire Games in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1930.[24][25] Robinson then served as the manager of the Canadian track and field team for the 1930 British Empire Games.[25]

Although there are 56 sovereign states that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, there are 72 Commonwealth Games Associations. They are divided into six regions (Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania) and each has a similar function to the National Olympic Committees in relation with their countries or territories. In some, like India and South Africa, the CGA functions are assumed by their NOCs.

Only six national federations have participated in every Commonwealth Games: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Of these six, Australia, England, Canada and New Zealand have each won at least one gold medal in every Games. Australia has been the highest-achieving team for thirteen editions of the Games, England for seven and Canada for one. These three teams also top the all-time Commonwealth Games medal table in that order.

Editions

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British Empire Games

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The 1930 British Empire Games was the first of what later became known as the Commonwealth Games, and was held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from 16 to 23 August 1930 and opened by Lord Willingdon.[26] Eleven countries: Australia, Bermuda, British Guyana, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales, sent a total of 400 athletes to compete in athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, rowing, swimming and diving and wrestling. The opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics took place at Civic Stadium.[27] The cost of the Games were $97,973.[27] Women competed in only the aquatic events.[28] Canadian triple jumper Gordon Smallacombe won the first ever gold medal in the history of the Games.[8]

Opening ceremony of the 1938 British Empire Games at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 1934 British Empire Games was the second of what is now known as the Commonwealth Games, held in London, England. The host city was London, with the main venue at Wembley Park, although the track cycling events were in Manchester. The 1934 Games had originally been awarded to Johannesburg, but was given to London instead because of serious concerns about prejudice against Asian and black athletes in South Africa. The affiliation of Irish athletes at the 1934 Games representation remains unclear but there was no official Irish Free State team. Sixteen national teams took part, including new participants Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Southern Rhodesia and Trinidad and Tobago.[29]

The 1938 British Empire Games was the third British Empire Games, which was held in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was timed to coincide with Sydney's sesqui-centenary (150 years since the foundation of British settlement in Australia). Held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, the III Games opening ceremony took place at the famed Sydney Cricket Ground in front of 40,000 spectators. Fifteen nations participated down under at the Sydney Games involving a total of 464 athletes and 43 officials. Fiji and Ceylon made their debuts. Seven sports were featured in the Sydney Games – athletics, boxing, cycling, lawn bowls, rowing, swimming and diving and wrestling.[30]

The 1950 British Empire Games was the fourth edition and was held in Auckland, New Zealand, after a twelve-year gap from the third edition of the games. The fourth games was originally awarded to Montreal, Canada and was to be held in 1942, but was cancelled due to the Second World War. The opening ceremony at Eden Park was attended by 40,000 spectators, while nearly 250,000 people attended the Auckland Games. Twelve countries sent a total of 590 athletes to Auckland. Malaya and Nigeria made their first appearances.[31]

British Empire and Commonwealth Games

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Statue in Vancouver commemorating the "Miracle Mile" between Roger Bannister and John Landy

The fifth edition of the Games, the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This was the first event since the name change from British Empire Games took effect in 1952, the same year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The fifth edition of the Games placed Vancouver on a world stage and featured memorable sporting moments as well as outstanding entertainment, technical innovation and cultural events. The 'Miracle Mile', as it became known, saw both the gold medallist, Roger Bannister of England and silver medallist John Landy of Australia, run sub-four-minute races in an event that was televised live across the world for the first time. Northern Rhodesia and Pakistan made their debuts and both performed well, winning eight and six medals respectively.[32]

3 pence British stamp with theme of 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Cardiff, Wales

The 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games was held in Cardiff, Wales. The sixth edition of the games marked the largest sporting event ever held in Wales and it was the smallest country ever to host a British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Cardiff had to wait twelve years longer than originally scheduled to become host of the Games, as the 1946 event was cancelled because of the Second World War. The Cardiff Games introduced the Queen's Baton Relay, which has been conducted as a prelude to every British Empire and Commonwealth Games ever since. Thirty-five nations sent a total of 1,122 athletes and 228 officials to the Cardiff Games and 23 countries and dependencies won medals, including for the first time, Singapore, Ghana, Kenya and the Isle of Man.[33] In the run up to the Cardiff games, many leading sports stars including Stanley Matthews, Jimmy Hill and Don Revie were signatories in a letter to The Times on 17 July 1958 deploring the presence of white-only South African sports, opposing 'the policy of apartheid' in international sport and defending 'the principle of racial equality which is embodied in the Declaration of the Olympic Games'.[34]

The 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games was held in Perth, Western Australia. Thirty-five countries sent a total of 863 athletes and 178 officials to Perth. Jersey was among the medal winners for the first time, while British Honduras, Dominica, Papua and New Guinea and St Lucia all made their inaugural Games appearances. Aden also competed by special invitation. Sarawak, North Borneo and Malaya competed for the last time, before taking part in 1966 under the Malaysian flag. In addition, Rhodesia and Nyasaland competed in the Games as an entity for the first and only time.[35]

The 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games was held in Kingston, Jamaica. This was the first time that the Games had been held outside the so-called White Dominions. Thirty-four nations (including South Arabia) competed in the Kingston Games, sending a total of 1,316 athletes and officials.[36]

British Commonwealth Games

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The 1970 British Commonwealth Games was held in Edinburgh, Scotland. This was the first time the name British Commonwealth Games was adopted, the first time metric units rather than imperial units were used in events, the first time the games were held in Scotland and also the first time that HM Queen Elizabeth II attended in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth.[37]

The 1974 British Commonwealth Games was held in Christchurch, New Zealand. The event was officially named The Friendly Games, and was also the first edition to feature a theme song. Following the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, the tenth games at Christchurch were the first multi-sport event to place the safety of participants and spectators as its uppermost requirement. Security guards surrounded the athlete's village and there was an exceptionally high-profile police presence. Only 22 countries succeeded in winning medals from the total haul of 374 medals on offer, but first time winners included Western Samoa, Lesotho and Swaziland (since 2018 named Eswatini).[38] The theme song for the 1974 British Commonwealth Games was called "Join Together".

Commonwealth Games

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The 1978 Commonwealth Games was held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This event was the first to bear the current day name of the Commonwealth Games, and also marked a new high as almost 1,500 athletes from 46 countries took part. They were boycotted by Nigeria in protest against New Zealand's sporting contacts with apartheid-era South Africa, as well as by Uganda in protest at alleged Canadian hostilities toward the government of Idi Amin.[39][40]

Opening ceremony of the 1982 Commonwealth Games at Brisbane, Australia

The 1982 Commonwealth Games was held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Forty-six nations participated in the Brisbane Games with a new record total of 1,583 athletes and 571 officials. As hosts, Australia headed the medal table leading the way ahead of England, Canada, Scotland and New Zealand respectively. Zimbabwe made its first appearance at the Games, having earlier competed as Southern Rhodesia and as part of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.[41] The theme song for the 1982 Commonwealth Games was called "You're Here To Win".

The 1986 Commonwealth Games was held in Edinburgh, Scotland and were the second Games to be held in Edinburgh. Participation at the 1986 Games was affected by a boycott by 32 African, Asian and Caribbean nations in protest at British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's refusal to condemn sporting contacts of apartheid era South Africa in 1985, but the Games rebounded and continued to grow thereafter. Twenty-six nations did attend the second Edinburgh Games, and sent a total of 1,662 athletes and 461 officials.[42] The theme song for the 1986 Commonwealth Games was called "Spirit Of Youth".

The 1990 Commonwealth Games was held in Auckland, New Zealand. It was the fourteenth Commonwealth Games, the third to be hosted by New Zealand and Auckland's second. A new record of 55 nations participated in the second Auckland Games, sending 2,826 athletes and officials.[43] Pakistan returned to the Commonwealth in 1989 after withdrawing in 1972, and competed in the 1990 Games after an absence of twenty years.[44] The theme song for the 1990 Commonwealth Games was called "This Is The Moment".

The 1994 Commonwealth Games was held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This event was the fourth to take place in Canada. The games marked another point of South Africa's return to the sporting atmosphere following the apartheid era, and over thirty years since the country last competed in the Games in 1958. A former South African territory Namibia made its Commonwealth Games debut. It was also Hong Kong's last appearance at the games before the transfer of sovereignty from Britain to China. Sixty-three nations sent 2,557 athletes and 914 officials.[45] The theme song for the 1994 Commonwealth Games was called "Let Your Spirit Take Flight".

The 1998 Commonwealth Games was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For the first time in its 68-year history, the Commonwealth Games was held in Asia. The event was also the first Games to feature team sports (cricket,rugby 7's,netball and field hockey) along ten pin bowling and squash– an overwhelming success that added large numbers to both participant and TV audience numbers. A new record of 70 countries sent a total of 5,065 athletes and officials to the Kuala Lumpur Games. The top five countries in the medal standing were Australia, England, Canada, Malaysia (who made their best games' performance until that date) and South Africa. Nauru also achieved an impressive haul of three gold medals. Cameroon, Mozambique, Kiribati and Tuvalu debuted.[46] The theme song for the 1998 Commonwealth Games was called "Forever As One".

During the 21st century

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The 2002 Commonwealth Games was held in Manchester, England. The event was hosted in England for the first time since 1934 and hosted to coincide with the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth. In terms of sports and events, the 2002 event was until the 2010 edition the largest Commonwealth Games in history featuring 281 events across 17 sports. The final medal tally was led by Australia, followed by host England and Canada. The 2002 Commonwealth Games had set a new benchmark for hosting the Commonwealth Games and for cities wishing to bid for them with a heavy emphasis on legacy.[47] The theme song for the 2002 Commonwealth Games was called "Where My Heart Will Take Me".

Athletics at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne

The 2006 Commonwealth Games was held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The only difference between the 2006 games and the 2002 games was the absence of Zimbabwe, which withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations. For the first time in the history of the Games the Queen's Baton visited every single Commonwealth nation and territory taking part in the Games, a journey of 180,000 kilometres (110,000 mi). Over 4000 athletes took part in the sporting competitions. Again the Top 3 on the medal table is Australia, followed by England and Canada.[48] The theme song for the 2006 Commonwealth Games was called "Together We Are One".

The 2010 Commonwealth Games was held in Delhi, India. The Games cost $11 billion and is the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever. It was the first time that the Commonwealth Games was held in India, also the first time that a Commonwealth republic hosted the games and the second time it was held in Asia after Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998. A total of 6,081 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and dependencies competed in 21 sports and 272 events. The final medal tally was led by Australia. The host nation India achieved its best performance ever in any sporting event, finishing second overall.[49] Rwanda made its Games debut.[50] The theme song for the 2010 Commonwealth Games was called "Live, Rise, Ascend, Win".

The 2014 Commonwealth Games was held in Glasgow, Scotland. It was the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland with around 4,950 athletes from 71 different nations and territories competing in 18 different sports, outranking the 1970 and 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, capital city of Scotland. Usain Bolt competed in the 4×100 metres relay of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and set a Commonwealth Games record with his teammates.[51] The Games received acclaim for their organisation, attendance, and the public enthusiasm of the people of Scotland, with the CGF chief executive Mike Hooper hailing them as "the standout games in the history of the movement".[52]

The 2018 Commonwealth Games was held in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, the fifth time Australia hosted the Games. There were an equal number of events for men and women, the first time in history that a major multi-sport event had equality in terms of events.[53][54]

The 2022 Commonwealth Games was held in Birmingham, England. It was the third Commonwealth Games to be hosted in England, following London 1934 and Manchester 2002.[55] The 2022 Commonwealth Games coincided with the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II and the tenth anniversary of the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2012 Summer Paralympics, both staged in London. The 2022 Commonwealth Games was the last edition to be held under Queen Elizabeth II, before her death on 8 September 2022.

On 16 February 2022, it was announced that the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be held for a record sixth time in Australia, but for the first time they would be decentralised, as the state of Victoria signed as host 'city'. The event were to have four regional clusters mainly focused in Bendigo region, and another three regional centres. The 2026 Commonwealth Games were to be the first games to be held under the reign of King Charles III. It was also confirmed that the Commonwealth Games, scheduled for 2030 were likely to be awarded to Hamilton, Canada.[56] However, in July 2023, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Victoria would no longer host the 2026 Games,[57] with Alberta, pulling out of their part in a joint Canadian bid for the 2030 edition of the Games shortly after.[58] The Scottish government agreed to hold the 2026 games in Glasgow, following Victoria's cancellation, however the games will be "scaled down" with only 10 sports being staged in four venues, and a commitment that public funds would not be required.[16]

Many commentators are now questioning the continuing viability of the Commonwealth Games.[59] The three nations to have hosted the Commonwealth Games the most times are Australia (5), Canada (4) and New Zealand (3). With the 2022 games, England increased its number to three. Seven Games have taken place in the countries within the United Kingdom (Scotland (3) and Wales (1)), two in Asia (Malaysia (1) and India (1)) and one in the Caribbean (Jamaica (1)).[5] The event has been awarded to, but never been held in, Africa, with Durban being stripped of the 2022 Games following financial issues.

On 17 September 2024 since Australia withdrew, Glasgow was confirmed as the replacement city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Paraplegic Games

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Main article: Commonwealth Paraplegic Games
Athletes of the 1962 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games at Perth

The Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were an international, multi-sport event involving athletes with a disability from the Commonwealth countries. The event was sometimes referred to as the Paraplegic Empire Games and British Commonwealth Paraplegic Games. Athletes were generally those with spinal injuries or polio. The event was first held in 1962 and disestablished in 1974.[60] The Games were held in the country hosting the Commonwealth Games for able-bodied athletes. The countries that had hosted the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were Australia, Jamaica, Scotland and New Zealand in 1962, 1966, 1970 and 1974. Six countries – Australia, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales — had been represented at all Commonwealth Paraplegic Games. Australia and England had been[citation needed] the top-ranking nation two times each: 1962, 1974 and 1966, 1970.[citation needed]

Inclusion of disabled athletes in Commonwealth Games

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Athletes with a disability were then first included the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, British Columbia when this events was added to athletics and lawn bowls,[61] As at 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England, they were included as compulsory events, making them the first fully inclusive international multi-sport games. This meant that results were included in the medal count and the athletes are full members of each country delegation.[62]

During the 2007 General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) at Colombo, Sri Lanka, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and CGF signed a co-operative agreement to ensure a formal institutional relationship between the two bodies and secure the future participation of elite athletes with a disability (EAD) in future Commonwealth Games.

Then, IPC President Philip Craven said during the General Assembly:

"We look forward to working with CGF to develop the possibilities of athletes with a disability at the Commonwealth Games and within the Commonwealth. This partnership will help to galvanize Paralympic sports development in Commonwealth countries/territories and seek to create and promote greater opportunities in sport for athletes with a disability".

— IPC President Sir Philip Craven

The co-operation agreement outlined the strong partnership between the IPC and the CGF. It recognised the IPC as the respective sport body and have the function to oversee the co-ordination and delivery of the Commonwealth Games EAD sports programme and committed both organisations to work together in supporting the growth of the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games Movements.[63]

Winter Games

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Main article: Commonwealth Winter Games
St. Moritz, the venue for all three Winter Games from 1958 to 1966

The Commonwealth Winter Games was a multi-sport event comprising winter sports, last held in 1966. Three editions of the Games have been staged. The Commonwealth Winter Games were designed as a counterbalance to the Commonwealth Games, which focuses on summer sports, to accompany the Winter Olympics and Summer Olympic Games. The winter Games were founded by T.D. Richardson.[64] The 1958 Commonwealth Winter Games were held in St. Moritz, Switzerland and was the inaugural games for the winter edition.[65][66] The 1962 Games were also held in St. Moritz, complementing the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, and the 1966 event was held in St. Moritz as well, following which the idea was discontinued.[67]

Youth Games

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Main article: Commonwealth Youth Games

The Commonwealth Youth Games is an international multi-sport event organised by the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Commonwealth Youth Games|Youth Games are held every four years with the current Commonwealth Games format. The Commonwealth Games Federation discussed the idea of a Millennium Commonwealth Youth Games in 1997. In 1998, the concept was agreed on for the purpose of providing a Commonwealth multi-sport event for young people born in 1986 or later. The first version was held in Edinburgh, Scotland from 10 to 14 August 2000. The age limitation of the athletes is 14 to 18.[68]

Commonwealth Games Federation

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Main article: Commonwealth Games Federation
Headquarters of the CGF at the Commonwealth House (centre) in London

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the international organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and is the foremost authority in matters relating to the games.[69] The Commonwealth House in London, England hosts the headquarters of CGF.[70] The Commonwealth House also hosts the headquarters of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.[71][72]

The Commonwealth Games Movement is made of three major elements:

  • International Federations (IFs) are the governing bodies that supervise a sport at an international level. For example, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is the international governing body for basketball.[73]
  • Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) represent and regulate the Commonwealth Games Movement within each country and perform similar functions as the National Olympic Committees. For example, the Commonwealth Games England (CGE) is the CGA of England. There are currently 72 CGAs recognised by the CGF.[74]
  • Organising Committees for the Commonwealth Games (OCCWGs) are temporary committees responsible for the organisation of each Commonwealth Games. OCCWGs are dissolved after each Games once the final report is delivered to the CGF.

English is the official language of the Commonwealth. The other language used at each Commonwealth Games is the language of the host country (or languages, if a country has more than one official language apart from English). Every proclamation (such as the announcement of each country during the parade of nations in the opening ceremony) is spoken in these two (or more) languages. If the host country does this, it is their responsibility to choose the language{s) and their order.[75]

Queen's Baton Relay

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Main article: Queen's Baton Relay
The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay for the 2002 Commonwealth Games

The Queen's Baton Relay is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities. The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games. The Queen's Baton Relay is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay.[76]

The Relay was introduced at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales as the Queen's Baton Relay. Up until, and including, the 1994 Commonwealth Games, the Relay only went through England and the host nation. The Relay for the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was the first to travel to other nations of the Commonwealth.

The Queen's Baton Relay for the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast, Australia, was the longest in Commonwealth Games history. Covering 230,000 km (150,000 miles) over 388 days, the Baton made its way through the six Commonwealth regions of Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania. For the first time, the Queen's Baton was presented at the Commonwealth Youth Games during its sixth edition in 2017, which were held in Nassau, Bahamas.[77]

Ceremonies

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Opening

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Opening ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games at Melbourne

Various elements frame the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. This ceremony takes place before the events have occurred. The ceremony typically starts with the hoisting of the host country's flag and a performance of its national anthem. The flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation, flag of the last hosting nation and the next hosting nation are also hosted during the opening ceremony. The host nation then presents artistic displays of music, singing, dance and theatre representative of its culture. The artistic presentations have grown in scale and complexity as successive hosts attempt to provide a ceremony that outlasts its predecessor's in terms of memorability. The opening ceremony of the Delhi Games reportedly cost $70 million, with much of the cost incurred in the artistic segment.[78]

After the artistic portion of the ceremony, the athletes parade into the stadium grouped by nation. The last hosting nation is traditionally the first nation to enter. Nations then enter the stadium alphabetical or continental wise with the host country's athletes being the last to enter. Speeches are given, formally opening the Games. Finally, the King's Baton is brought into the stadium and passed on until it reaches the final baton carrier, often a successful Commonwealth athlete from the host nation, who hands it over to the Head of the Commonwealth or his representative.

Closing

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Closing ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games at Delhi

The closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games takes place after all sporting events have concluded. Flag-bearers from each participating country enter the stadium, followed by the athletes who enter together, without any national distinction. The president of the organising committee and the CGF president make their closing speeches and the Games are officially closed. The CGF president also speaks about the conduct of the games. The mayor of the city that organised the Games transfers the CGF flag to the president of the CGF, who then passes it on to the mayor of the city hosting the next Commonwealth Games. The next host nation then also briefly introduces itself with artistic displays of dance and theatre representative of its culture. Many great artists and singers had performed at the ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games.[79]

At the closing ceremony of every Commonwealth Games, the CGF President makes an award and presents a trophy to one athlete who has competed with particular distinction and honour both in terms of athletic performance and overall contribution to his or her team. Athletes are nominated by their Commonwealth Games Association at the end of the final day of competition and the winner is selected by a panel comprising the CGF President and representatives from each of the six Commonwealth Regions. The 'David Dixon Award' as it is called was introduced in Manchester 2002, after the late David Dixon, former Honorary Secretary of the CGF, in honour of his monumental contribution to Commonwealth sport for many years.[80]

Medal presentation

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A medal ceremony is held after each event is concluded. The winner, second and third-place competitors or teams stand on top of a three-tiered rostrum to be awarded their respective medals. After the medals are given out by a CGF member, the national flags of the three medallists are raised while the national anthem of the gold medallist's country plays. Volunteering citizens of the host country also act as hosts during the medal ceremonies, as they aid the officials who present the medals and act as flag-bearers.

Anthems

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"God Save the King" is an official or national anthem of multiple Commonwealth countries and dependent territories. As a result, and due to the countries of the United Kingdom competing individually, its use is prohibited during official events, medal ceremonies or before matches in team events.[81] With the revision of this rule made before the 2010 Games, some national anthems used were changed and in some cases they differ from a currently-eligible country's national or official anthem(s):

Country Anthem used at the Commonwealth Games National Anthem(s)/Official Anthem(s)
 Anguilla "God Bless Anguilla" "God Save the King"
 Bermuda "Hail to Bermuda"
 British Virgin Islands "Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands"
 Cayman Islands "Beloved Isle Cayman"
 England "Land of Hope and Glory" (until 2010)
"Jerusalem" (since 2010)[82] 		None; "God Save the King" as part of the United Kingdom
 Falkland Islands "Song of the Falklands" "God Save the King"
 Gibraltar "Gibraltar Anthem"
 Guernsey "Sarnia Cherie"
 Jersey "Island Home"
 Montserrat "Motherland"
 New Zealand "God Defend New Zealand" "God Defend New Zealand" (since 1976)[83]
"God Save the King"
 Niue "Ko e Iki he Lagi (Lord in Heaven, Thou art merciful)" "God Defend New Zealand" (since 1976)[83]
"God Save the King"
 Norfolk Island "Come Ye Blessed" "Advance Australia Fair"
 Northern Ireland "Londonderry Air" None; "God Save the King" as part of the United Kingdom
 Saint Helena "My Saint Helena Island" "God Save the King"
 Scotland "Scotland the Brave" (until 2010)
"Flower of Scotland" (since 2010)[84] 		None; "God Save the King" as part of the United Kingdom
 Turks and Caicos Islands "This Land of Ours" "God Save the King"
 Wales "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers)" "God Save the King" as part of the United Kingdom/
"Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers)"

List of Commonwealth Games

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Editions

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Overview of Commonwealth Games
Year Edition Host city Host Association Opened by Sports Events Associations Start date End date Competitors Top Association Ref
1911 – [b] London United Kingdom United Kingdom King George V 4 9 4 12 May 1 June Unknown  Canada
1930 I Hamilton  Canada Viscount Willingdon 6 59 11 16 August 23 August 400  England [2]
1934 II London  England King George V 6 68 16 4 August 11 August 500  England [3]
1938 III Sydney  Australia Lord Wakehurst 7 71 15 5 February 12 February 464  Australia [4]
1942 – Montreal  Canada Cancelled due to World War II[86]
1946 – Cardiff  Wales
1950 IV Auckland  New Zealand Sir Bernard Freyberg 9 88 12 4 February 11 February 590  Australia [5]
1954 V Vancouver  Canada Earl Alexander of Tunis 9 91 24 30 July 7 August 662  England [6]
1958 VI Cardiff  Wales Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 9 94 36 18 July 26 July 1122  England [7]
1962 VII Perth  Australia 9 104 35 22 November 1 December 863  Australia [8]
1966 VIII Kingston  Jamaica 9 110 34 4 August 13 August 1050  England [9]
1970 IX Edinburgh  Scotland 9 121 42 16 July 25 July 1383  Australia [10]
1974 X Christchurch  New Zealand 9 121 38 24 January 2 February 1276  Australia [11]
1978 XI Edmonton  Canada Queen Elizabeth II 10 128 46 3 August 12 August 1474  Canada [12]
1982 XII Brisbane  Australia Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 10 142 46 30 September 9 October 1583  Australia [13]
1986 XIII Edinburgh  Scotland Queen Elizabeth II 10 163 26 24 July 2 August 1662  England [14]
1990 XIV Auckland  New Zealand Prince Edward 10 204 55 24 January 3 February 2073  Australia [15]
1994 XV Victoria  Canada Queen Elizabeth II 10 217 63 18 August 28 August 2557  Australia [16]
1998 XVI Kuala Lumpur  Malaysia Tuanku Jaafar 15 213 70 11 September 21 September 3633  Australia [17]
2002 XVII Manchester  England Queen Elizabeth II 17 281 72 25 July 4 August 3679  Australia [18]
2006 XVIII Melbourne  Australia 16 245 71 15 March 26 March 4049  Australia [19]
2010 XIX Delhi  India Pratibha Patil and
Charles, Prince of Wales 		17 272 71 3 October 14 October 4352  Australia [20]
2014 XX Glasgow  Scotland Queen Elizabeth II 17 261 71 23 July 3 August 4947  England [21]
2018 XXI Gold Coast  Australia Charles, Prince of Wales 19 275 71 4 April 15 April 4426  Australia [22]
2022 XXII Birmingham  England 20 283 72 28 July 8 August 5054  Australia [23]
2026 XXIII Glasgow  Scotland King Charles III (expected) 10 (expected) TBC 75
(expected) 		22 July 2 August TBC TBC TBC
2030 XXIV TBD
2034 XXV TBD

Medal table

[edit]

*Note : Nations in italics no longer participate at the Commonwealth Games.

Updated after 2022 Commonwealth Games.
RankCGAGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1 Australia (AUS)1,0038347672,604
2 England (ENG)7737837662,322
3 Canada (CAN)5105485891,647
4 India (IND)203190171564
5 New Zealand (NZL)179232295706
6 South Africa (RSA)137132147416
7 Scotland (SCO)132143227502
8 Kenya (KEN)918087258
9 Nigeria (NGR)8284105271
10 Wales (WAL)75104155334
11 Malaysia (MAS)697891238
12 Jamaica (JAM)655358176
13 Singapore (SGP)413137109
14 Northern Ireland (NIR)374659142
15 Pakistan (PAK)27272983
16 Cyprus (CYP)25162364
17 Uganda (UGA)19162560
18 Ghana (GHA)[a]15202863
19 Trinidad and Tobago (TRI)13232662
20 Bahamas (BAH)11141338
21 Cameroon (CMR)11121740
22 Nauru (NRU)10111031
23 Samoa (SAM)6121129
24 Zimbabwe (ZIM)[b]691429
25 Tanzania (TAN)671124
26 Zambia (ZAM)[c]5132442
27 Papua New Guinea (PNG)58215
28 Botswana (BOT)56819
29 Namibia (NAM)541524
30 Hong Kong (HKG)521017
31 Sri Lanka (SRI)[d]491124
32 Fiji (FIJ)471223
33 Guyana (GUY)[e]46616
34 Barbados (BAR)34815
35 Isle of Man (IOM)33612
36 Bermuda (BER)3238
37 Grenada (GRN)3227
38 Mozambique (MOZ)2439
39 Bangladesh (BAN)2428
40 Malaysia (MAL) (Malaya)2327
41 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)2013
42 British Virgin Islands (IVB)2002
43 Mauritius (MRI)19818
44 Guernsey (GUE)1438
45 Saint Lucia (LCA)1135
46 Lesotho (LES)1113
47 Jersey (JER)1034
48 Cayman Islands (CAY)1012
49 Kiribati (KIR)1001
 Saint Kitts and Nevis (SKN)1001
51 Seychelles (SEY)0347
52 Rhodesia and Nyasaland (FRN)0257
53 Dominica (DMA)0213
54 Malta (MLT)0167
55 Swaziland (SWZ)0134
56 The Gambia (GAM)0112
57 Ireland (IRE)0101
58 Malawi (MAW)0033
 Tonga (TON)0033
 Vanuatu (VAN)0033
61 Norfolk Island (NFI)0022
62 Cook Islands (COK)0011
 Niue (NIU)0011
 Solomon Islands (SOL)0011
Totals (64 entries)3,6133,6083,92911,150

Commonwealth sports

[edit]
Further information: Commonwealth Games sports and Commonwealth Games records

Unlike other sporting events, the Commonwealth Games have a flexible sporting programme that respects the infrastructure and demands of the host city. This is also reflected in its holding dates, which may vary according to the weather conditions of each host city. Therefore, the programme for each edition varies. Between 1930 and 1994, only individual events were part of the programme and it was only in 1998 that authorisation was given for the addition of team sports. It is common for each edition since then to have a list of seven to ten mandatory sports that must be played in this edition and must be approved 4 years in advance. Thus, the minimum number of sports per edition is 10 and the maximum is of 17. However, local demands can also increase the number of sports contested. Notable cases are freestyle wrestling in Delhi 2010 and beach volleyball in Gold Coast 2018. Special exceptions can also be made, such as the one in the last edition held in Birmingham, England, in which 3 extra sports were added to the programme.[87] The current rules also determine gender parity, whereby men and women have an equal (or broadly equal) share of events.[88][89]

There are a total of 23 sports (with three multi-disciplinary sports) and a ten para-sports which are approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Sport Type Years
Archery Core 1982, 2010
Athletics Core 1930–present
Para Athletics Core 1994, 2002–present[90]
Badminton Core 1966–2022
Basketball 2006, 2018
Basketball 3x3 Core 2022–present
Boxing Core 1930–present
Cricket Core 1998, 2022
Cycling (Mountain Bike) Core[91] 2002–2006, 2014–present
Cycling (Para Track) Core[91] 2014–present
Cycling (Road) Core[91] 1938–present
Cycling (Track) Core[91] 1934–present
Diving 1930–2022
Hockey Core 1998–2022
Gymnastics (Artistic) Core[91] 1978, 1990–present
Gymnastics (Rhythmic) Optional 1978, 1990–1998, 2006–present
Judo Core[91] 1990, 2002, 2014 (Optional), 2022-present
Lawn bowls Core 1930–1962, 1970–present
Sport Type Years
Para lawn bowls Core 1994, 2002, 2014–present[90]
Netball (Women) Core 1998–present
Powerlifting Core 2002–present[90]
Rugby sevens Core 1998–2022
Shooting Optional 1966, 1974–2018
Squash Core 1998–2022
Swimming Core 1930–present
Para swimming Core 2002–present[90]
Table tennis Core[91] 2002–2022
Para table tennis Optional[91] 2002–2022
Triathlon Core[91] 2002–2006, 2014—2022
Volleyball (beach) Optional 2018–2022
Weightlifting Core 1950–present
Wrestling (Freestyle) Core[91] 1930–1986, 1994, 2002, 2010–2022

In 2015, the Commonwealth Games Federation agreed large changes to the programme which increased the number of core sports, while removing a number of optionals, those removed are listed below.[92]

Sport Type Years
Canoeing Optional Never[93]
Rowing Optional 1930, 1938–1962,1986
Sailing Optional Never
Softball Optional Never
Synchronised swimming Optional Core between 1986 and 2006
Sport Type Years
Taekwondo Optional Never
Tennis Optional 2010
Ten-pin bowling Optional 1998
Wrestling (Greco-Roman) Optional 2010

Sports such as the following are sports which have been analysed by the Commonwealth Games Federation but which are deemed to need expansion in areas such as participation levels within the Commonwealth both at a national (International Federation) and grassroots athletics level, Marketability, Television Rights, Equity, and Hosting Expenses, per Regulation 6 of the Commonwealth Games Constitution;[94] host nations may not pick these sports for their program until the Federation's requirements are fulfilled.[95]

Sport Type Years
Billiards Recognised Never
Fencing Recognised 1950–1970
Association Football Recognised Never
Golf Recognised 2026
Handball Recognised Never
Sport Type Years
Life saving Recognised Never
Rugby league Recognised Never
Volleyball (indoor) Recognised Never
Water Polo Recognised 1950

Participation

[edit]
Main article: List of participating nations at the Commonwealth Games

Only six teams have attended every Commonwealth Games: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. Australia has been the highest scoring team for thirteen games, England for seven, and Canada for one.

Locations of the games, and participating countries
  Countries that have hosted, or plan to host, the event
  Other countries that enter the games
  Countries that have entered the games but no longer do so
0•0 Host cities and year of games
Nation Years of participation
 Aden[c] 1962
 Anguilla[d] 1998–
Australasia 1911
 Antigua and Barbuda 1966–1970, 1978, 1994–
 Australia 1930–
 Bahamas 1954–1970, 1978–1982, 1990–
 Bangladesh 1978, 1990–
 Barbados 1954–1982, 1990–
 Belize[e] 1978, 1994–
 Bermuda 1930–1938, 1954–1982, 1990–
 Botswana 1974, 1982–
 British Guiana[f] 1930–1938, 1954–1962
 British Honduras[e] 1962–1966
 British Virgin Islands 1990–
 Brunei Darussalam 1990–
 Cameroon 1998–
 Canada 1911, 1930–
 Cayman Islands 1978–
 Ceylon[g] 1938–1950, 1958–1970
 Cook Islands 1974–1978, 1986–
 Cyprus 1978–1982, 1990–
 Dominica 1958–1962, 1970, 1994–
 England 1930–
 Eswatini 2022–
 Falkland Islands 1982–
 Fiji[i] 1938, 1954–1986, 1998–2006, 2014–
 Gambia[j] 1970–1982, 1990–2010, 2018–
 Ghana[k] 1958–1982, 1990–
 Gibraltar 1958–
 Gold Coast[k] 1954
 Grenada 1970–1982, 1998–
 Guernsey[l] 1970–
 Guyana[f] 1966–1970, 1978–1982, 1990–
 Hong Kong[m] 1934, 1954–1962, 1970–1994
 India 1934–1938, 1954–1958, 1966–1982, 1990–
Ireland[n][o] 1930
 Irish Free State[n] 1934
 Isle of Man 1958–
 Jamaica 1934, 1954–1982, 1990–
 Jersey[l] 1958–
 Kenya 1954–1982, 1990–
 Kiribati 1998–
 Lesotho 1974–
 Malawi 1970–
 Malaya[p] 1950, 1958–1962
 Malaysia 1966–1982, 1990–
 Maldives[y] 1986–2014, 2022–
 Malta 1958–1962, 1970, 1982–
Nation Years of participation
 Mauritius 1958–1982, 1990–
 Montserrat 1994–
 Mozambique 1998–
 Namibia 1994–
 Nauru 1990–
 Newfoundland[q] 1930–1934
 New Zealand 1930–
 Nigeria 1950–1958, 1966–1974, 1982, 1990–1994, 2002–
 Niue 2002–
 Norfolk Island 1986–[101]
North Borneo[p] 1958–1962
 Northern Ireland[n][r] 1934–1938, 1954–
 Northern Rhodesia[s][t] 1954–1958
 Pakistan 1954–1970, 1990–
 Papua New Guinea 1962–1982, 1990–
 Rhodesia and Nyasaland[s][t] 1962
 Rwanda 2010–
 Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla[d] 1978
 Saint Helena[u] 1982, 1998–
 Saint Kitts and Nevis[d] 1990–
 Saint Lucia 1962, 1970, 1978, 1994–
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1958, 1966–1978, 1994–
 Samoa[v] 1998–
Crown Colony of Sarawak Sarawak[p] 1958–1962
 Scotland 1930–
 Seychelles 1990–
 Sierra Leone 1958, 1966–1970, 1978, 1990–
 Singapore[p] 1958–
 Solomon Islands 1982, 1990–
 South Africa 1911–1958, 1994–
 South Arabia[c] 1966
 Southern Rhodesia[s][t] 1934–1958
 Sri Lanka 1974–1982, 1990–
 Swaziland[h] 1970–2018
 Tanganyika[w] 1962
 Tanzania 1966–1982, 1990–
 Tonga 1974, 1982, 1990–
 Trinidad and Tobago 1934–1982, 1990–
 Turks and Caicos Islands 1978, 1998–
 Tuvalu 2002–
 Uganda 1954–1974, 1982, 1990–
 United Kingdom 1911[z]
 Vanuatu 1982–
 Wales 1930–
 Western Samoa[v] 1974–1994
 Zambia[t] 1970–1982, 1990–
 Zimbabwe[x] 1982, 1990–2002

Commonwealth nations yet to send teams

[edit]

Very few Commonwealth nations and dependencies have yet to take part:[103][104][105]

Other inhabited territories and autonomous regions within the Commonwealth, such as Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha (parts of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha), Nevis (a federal entity of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis), Rodrigues (an outer island of Mauritius), and Zanzibar (a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania), are not considered to be separate associated or overseas territories by the Commonwealth[103] and so are unlikely to be eligible.

Rejected participants

[edit]

Campaigners from the English county of Cornwall asked the Commonwealth Games Federation to allow Cornwall to participate independently in the 2006 Games, but were rejected by the CGF, which stated that "Cornwall is no more than an English county" and advised Cornwall athletes to compete on the England team.[110][111] Cornwall political party Mebyon Kernow unsuccessfully called for a Cornwall team at the 2022 Games.[112]

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus applied to take part in the 2006 Games, but was rejected due to a lack of international recognition.[110]

Controversies

[edit]

Host city contract

[edit]

The 1934 British Empire Games, originally awarded in 1930 to Johannesburg, were moved to London after South Africa's pre-apartheid government refused to allow participants of colour.[113]

The 2022 Commonwealth Games were originally awarded to Durban on 2 September 2015, at the CGF General Assembly in Auckland.[114] It was reported in February 2017 that Durban may be unable to host the games due to financial constraints. On 13 March 2017, the CGF stripped Durban of their rights to host and reopened the bidding process for the 2022 games.[115] Many cities from Australia, Canada, England and Malaysia expre