Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games are a major international multisport event held every four years for athletes representing the Commonwealth of Nations, a group consisting largely, though not exclusively, of territories with historical links to the former British Empire. Since their inception in 1930, the Games have evolved significantly, reflecting broader political, social, and sporting developments across the Commonwealth.
The Games were initially known as the British Empire Games and have undergone several name changes before adopting the current title in 1978. With the exception of the 1942 and 1946 editions, cancelled due to the Second World War, the Games have maintained an unbroken quadrennial cycle. They have also distinguished themselves through early and progressive inclusion of para-athletes, gender equality measures, and unique traditions that set them apart from other multisport events.

Origins and Early Development

Efforts to create a sporting festival for members of the British Empire can be traced to the late nineteenth century. In 1891 John Astley Cooper proposed a recurring Pan-Brittanic contest designed to foster unity and goodwill. Although his idea did not materialise immediately, it influenced subsequent developments, including the Festival of Empire in 1911, during which the Inter-Empire Championships were held at The Crystal Palace in London. Teams from Australasia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom competed across athletics, boxing, swimming, and wrestling, with Canada emerging as the overall champion.
The modern Commonwealth Games took shape under the guidance of Melville Marks Robinson of Canada. While preparing for the 1928 Summer Olympics, Robinson advanced the idea of hosting an Empire-wide sporting event in Hamilton, Ontario. His efforts culminated in the first British Empire Games in 1930, featuring 400 athletes from eleven nations competing in six sports. These inaugural Games set a precedent for ceremonial elements such as the parade of nations and formal opening and closing ceremonies.

Evolution of the Event

The name and identity of the Games evolved alongside the political transformations of the twentieth century. Between 1930 and 1950 they were known as the British Empire Games, later becoming the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and then the British Commonwealth Games until 1974. As the Commonwealth of Nations expanded to include newly independent states, the event adopted the inclusive title of the Commonwealth Games in 1978.
The Games have progressively broadened their scope. From 1974 the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games provided a competitive platform for athletes with disabilities, who were fully integrated into national teams by 2002. The Commonwealth Youth Games were added to support emerging talent aged 14 to 18. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) now oversees the Games, regulating sports programmes, selecting host cities, and coordinating with Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) and international sport federations.

Hosting, Participation, and Distinguishing Features

The Games are notable for featuring participants from both sovereign states and dependent territories. Although there are 56 member states of the Commonwealth of Nations, 74 CGAs currently compete, reflecting separate representation for territories such as Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, and several British Overseas Territories. Some territories that compete independently at the Commonwealth Games are represented by other National Olympic Committees at Olympic events, making the Games distinctive in terms of eligibility and delegation structures.
Australia has hosted the Games more times than any other nation, with editions in 1938, 1962, 1982, 2006, and 2018. Auckland and Edinburgh have each hosted twice, and Glasgow will join this group following the 2026 Games. The Games routinely include a combination of Olympic and non-Olympic sports, with netball, lawn bowls, and squash being particularly significant within Commonwealth countries. Traditional elements include the raising of the Commonwealth Games flag and the Queen’s Baton Relay, both central to the Games’ identity.
In recent editions, the Games have championed progressive reforms. Since 2018 men’s and women’s medal events have been offered in equal number, and by 2022 women’s events outnumbered men’s, marking a milestone in global sports governance.

Contemporary Developments and Future Directions

The 2022 Commonwealth Games, held in Birmingham, featured nearly 5,000 athletes competing in 20 sports and 280 medal events. The next edition, originally awarded to the Australian state of Victoria, faced financial challenges that resulted in the withdrawal of the host. After subsequent negotiations, Glasgow was confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Games. The upcoming event will be scaled back in scope, with only 10 sports to be featured, though financial commitments from the Victorian Government will support its delivery.
These developments have fuelled discussion regarding the long-term sustainability of the Games. Rising costs, shifting sporting priorities, and logistical complexities pose challenges for future hosts. However, the Games remain notable for their emphasis on inclusivity, cultural exchange, and shared history among diverse nations and territories.

Historical Significance and Legacy

The Commonwealth Games occupy a unique position in international sport, blending historic ties with contemporary values. They have played a critical role in promoting athletic development across the Commonwealth, particularly in smaller nations and territories that may lack the resources to compete extensively on global stages.
The Games also serve as a platform for cultural diplomacy, fostering a sense of shared identity while respecting the autonomy of member nations and territories. Their traditions, such as the Queen’s Baton Relay, symbolise unity and continuity across the Commonwealth.