BRIEF HISTORY OF COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The history of Commonwealth Games goes back to 1928 when during the Olympic Games; the concept of another multinational sporting event was underway. Reverend Astley Cooper was the first person to suggest a common sporting platform for the British Empire. The aims of Commonwealth Games were not only to hold a global sporting event but also to develop a better understanding and goodwill amongst the British Empire. Thus, initially it was named British Empire Games.

The first Commonwealth Games was held at Hamilton, Canada in 1930. Around 400 athletes from 11 nations participated in the first British Empire Games. Commonwealth Games till 1978 has undergone three different changes in its name. The British Empire Games in 1928, followed by British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954 till finally in 1978, the whole world witnessed Commonwealth Games as the final chosen name.

Commonwealth Games is held every four years and the most talented athletes from across the world participate in it. Today, there are over 54 nations and 71 teams associated with Commonwealth Games but only 6 nations have participated in all of the Commonwealth Games so far: England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales.

Commonwealth Games is also the third largest sporting event of the world after the Summer Olympic Games and the Asian Games. The scope of events that comprise Commonwealth Games include swimming, water polo, aquatics, diving, athletics, basketball, table tennis, shooting, weightlifting, fencing, boxing, rugby sevens, hockey, cycling, netball, squash, triathlon, badminton, synchronized swimming, bowls and gymnastics.

Commonwealth Games has its uniqueness lying within its origin. While other games around the world have been named on various geographical and climatic aspects such as Winter Olympic Games, Asian Games; Commonwealth Games was founded to promote well being and understanding between the British Empires. People from every nation converse with each other in English which is the reason why Commonwealth Games is also known as the “Friendly Games”