Commonwealth Games#British Empire Games

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."{{cite web|date=25 August 2017|title=J Astley Cooper|url=http://www.anentscottishrunning.com/j-astley-cooper/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201348/http://www.anentscottishrunning.com/j-astley-cooper/|archive-date=1 June 2019|access-date=1 June 2019|website=Anent Scottish Running}} 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.Arnd Krüger (1986): War John Astley Cooper der Erfinder der modernen Olympischen Spiele? In: LOUIS BURGENER u. a. (Hrsg.): Sport und Kultur, Bd. 6. Bern: Lang, 72 – 81.{{cite book|last1=Riordan|first1=Jim|title=The International Politics of Sport in the Twentieth Century|date=11 September 2002|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=9781135817275|pages=4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AgN6AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA4 }}

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.{{cite news|last1=Dunn|first1=John F.|title=STAMPS; NEW BOOKLET|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/16/arts/stamps-new-booklet.html|access-date=1 June 2019|work=The New York Times|date=16 March 1986|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201347/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/16/arts/stamps-new-booklet.html|archive-date=1 June 2019|url-status=live }}{{Cite news|date=21 April 1911|title=FESTIVAL OF EMPIRE GAMES|pages=2|work=Evening Journal (Adelaide)|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/204490892|access-date=28 July 2022}} Teams from Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom competed in events for athletics, boxing, swimming and wrestling.{{cite web|title=COMMONWEALTH GAMES MEDALLISTS|url=http://www.gbrathletics.com/commonwealth/|website=GBR Athletics|access-date=1 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418100107/http://www.gbrathletics.com/commonwealth/|archive-date=18 April 2019|url-status=live }} Canada won the championships and was presented with a silver cup (gifted by Lord Lonsdale) which was {{convert|2|ft|6|in|cm}} high and weighed {{convert|340|oz|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'".{{cite web|title=Empire Sports|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19110821.2.55|website=Papers Past|access-date=1 June 2019|date=21 August 1911|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201347/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19110821.2.55|archive-date=1 June 2019|url-status=live }}

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.{{cite news|title=Hamilton's Amazing Empire Athletic Meet|last=Griffin|first=Frederick|date=9 August 1930|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=27|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-09-1930-3160191/|access-date=28 May 2023|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528185244/https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-09-1930-3160191/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.topendsports.com/events/commonwealth-games/history.htm|title=History of the Commonwealth Games|website=Topend Sports|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201346/https://www.topendsports.com/events/commonwealth-games/history.htm|archive-date=1 June 2019|access-date=1 June 2019}} Robinson then served as the manager of the Canadian track and field team for the 1930 British Empire Games.

Although there are 56 sovereign states that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, there are 74 active Commonwealth Games Associations. {{cite web |title=Nations |url=https://www.commonwealthsport.com/nations |location=London, UK |publisher=Commonwealth Sport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513192417/https://www.commonwealthsport.com/nations |archive-date=13 May 2025 |access-date=May 13, 2025 }}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.

The 1930 British Empire Games were 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.{{cite web|title=Hamilton 1930|url=https://thecgf.com/games/hamilton-1930|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|access-date=1 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201441/https://thecgf.com/games/hamilton-1930|archive-date=1 June 2019|url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|title=1930 Empire Games|url=http://www.anentscottishrunning.com/1930-commonwealth-games/|website=Anent Scottish Running|access-date=1 June 2019|date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201349/http://www.anentscottishrunning.com/1930-commonwealth-games/|archive-date=1 June 2019|url-status=live }} The cost of the Games were $97,973. Women competed in only the aquatic events.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/hamilton-1930|title=Hamilton 1930|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120112/https://thecgf.com/games/hamilton-1930|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} Canadian triple jumper Gordon Smallacombe won the first ever gold medal in the history of the Games.{{Cite web|title=The British Empire Games of 1930|url=http://torontoist.com/2015/07/the-british-empire-games-of-1930/|publisher=Torontoist.com|access-date=30 August 2017|author=Jamie Bradburn|date=21 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831000151/http://torontoist.com/2015/07/the-british-empire-games-of-1930/|archive-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live}}File:SLNSW 23801 Opening Empire Games Sydney Cricket Ground.jpg at the Sydney Cricket Ground.]]

The 1934 British Empire Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/london-1934|title=London 1934|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120035/https://thecgf.com/games/london-1934|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

The 1938 British Empire Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/sydney-1938|title=Sydney 1938|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182918/https://thecgf.com/games/sydney-1938|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

The 1950 British Empire Games were the fourth edition and were held in Auckland, New Zealand, after a twelve-year gap from the third edition of the games. The fourth games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/auckland-1950|title=Auckland 1950|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182635/https://thecgf.com/games/auckland-1950|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

File:Bannister and Landy.jpg and John Landy]]

The fifth edition of the Games, the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/vancouver-1954|title=Vancouver 1954|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120046/https://thecgf.com/games/vancouver-1954|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

File:1958 Commonwealth Games 3d Stamp.jpg, Cardiff, Wales]]

The 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/cardiff-1958|title=Cardiff 1958|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120128/https://thecgf.com/games/cardiff-1958|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} 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'.Brown and Hogsbjerg, Apartheid is not a game, 16

The 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/perth-1962|title=Perth 1962|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407183025/https://thecgf.com/games/perth-1962|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

The 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/kingston-1966|title=Kingston 1966|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120105/https://thecgf.com/games/kingston-1966|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

The 1970 British Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/edinburgh-1970|title=Edinburgh 1970|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182818/https://thecgf.com/games/edinburgh-1970|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

The 1974 British Commonwealth Games were 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).{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/christchurch-1974|title=Christchurch 1974|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182637/https://thecgf.com/games/christchurch-1974|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 1974 British Commonwealth Games was called "Join Together".

The 1978 Commonwealth Games were 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.{{cite book|author1=Donald Macintosh|author2=Michael Hawes|author3=Donna Ruth Greenhorn|author4=David Ross Black|title=Sport and Canadian Diplomacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G_TwFYjUfssC&pg=PA81|date=5 April 1994|publisher=McGill-Queen's Press – MQUP|isbn=978-0-7735-1161-3|pages=81–|access-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320234758/https://books.google.com/books?id=G_TwFYjUfssC&pg=PA81|archive-date=20 March 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/edmonton-1978|title=Edmonton 1978|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182816/https://thecgf.com/games/edmonton-1978|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

File:Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony - Brisbane 1982.jpg at Brisbane, Australia]]

The 1982 Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/brisbane-1982|title=Brisbane 1982|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182713/https://thecgf.com/games/brisbane-1982|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 1982 Commonwealth Games was called "You're Here To Win".

The 1986 Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/edinburgh-1986|title=Edinburgh 1986|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407183027/https://thecgf.com/games/edinburgh-1986|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 1986 Commonwealth Games was called "Spirit Of Youth".

The 1990 Commonwealth Games were held in Auckland, New Zealand. They were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/auckland-1990|title=Auckland 1990|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120012/https://thecgf.com/games/auckland-1990|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} Pakistan returned to the Commonwealth in 1989 after withdrawing in 1972, and competed in the 1990 Games after an absence of twenty years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=PAK|title=Pakistan|website=thecgf.com|access-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615134534/http://thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=PAK|archive-date=15 June 2017|url-status=dead}} The theme song for the 1990 Commonwealth Games was called "This Is The Moment".

The 1994 Commonwealth Games were 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. Namibia made its Commonwealth Games debut following its independence from South Africa in 1990. 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/victoria-1994|title=Victoria 1994|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182604/https://thecgf.com/games/victoria-1994|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 1994 Commonwealth Games was called "Let Your Spirit Take Flight".

The 1998 Commonwealth Games were held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For the first time in its 68-year history, the Commonwealth Games were held in Asia. The event was also the first Games to feature team sports (cricket, rugby 7s,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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/kuala-lumpur-1998|title=Kuala Lumpur 1998|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120007/https://thecgf.com/games/kuala-lumpur-1998|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 1998 Commonwealth Games was called "Forever As One".

The 2002 Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/manchester-2002|title=Manchester 2002|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120044/https://thecgf.com/games/manchester-2002|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 2002 Commonwealth Games was called "Where My Heart Will Take Me".

File:MSC, 2006 Commonwealth Games.jpg (MCG) during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne]]

The 2006 Commonwealth Games were 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 after being suspended by the organization in 2002.{{cite web |last=York |first=Geoffrey |date=November 18, 2024 |title=Commonwealth leaders push for Zimbabwe to rejoin despite tainted elections |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-zimbabwe-commonwealth-readmission-push/ |publisher=The Globe & Mail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102114924/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-zimbabwe-commonwealth-readmission-push/ |archive-date=2 January 2025 |access-date=May 13, 2025 }} 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 {{convert|180000|km|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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/melbourne-2006|title=Melbourne 2006|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120010/https://thecgf.com/games/melbourne-2006|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} The theme song for the 2006 Commonwealth Games was called "Together We Are One".

The 2010 Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi, India. The Games cost $11 billion and were 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/delhi-2010|title=Delhi 2010|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120108/https://thecgf.com/games/delhi-2010|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} Rwanda made its Games debut.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=RWA|title=Rwanda|website=thecgf.com|access-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130063104/http://thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=RWA|archive-date=30 November 2010|url-status=dead}} The theme song for the 2010 Commonwealth Games was called "Live, Rise, Ascend, Win".

The 2014 Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow, Scotland. These games were 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/commonwealth-games/28626118|title=Usain Bolt: Glasgow 2014 gold for Jamaica in 4x100m relay|date=2 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 April 2017|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716171902/http://www.bbc.com/sport/commonwealth-games/28626118|archive-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live}} 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".{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/glasgow-2014|title=Glasgow 2014|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182710/https://thecgf.com/games/glasgow-2014|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}}

File:Commonwealth Cycling (geograph 4105477).jpg hosted in Glasgow, Scotland]]

The 2018 Commonwealth Games were 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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/index.php/articles/1042362/gold-coast-2018-to-offer-same-amount-of-medals-for-men-and-women-after-seven-events-added|title=Gold Coast 2018 to offer same amount of medals for men and women after seven events added|access-date=28 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208034918/http://www.insidethegames.biz/index.php/articles/1042362/gold-coast-2018-to-offer-same-amount-of-medals-for-men-and-women-after-seven-events-added|archive-date=8 February 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/gold-coast-2018|title=Gold Coast 2018|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413185707/https://thecgf.com/games/gold-coast-2018|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=live}}

The 2022 Commonwealth Games were held in Birmingham, England. It was the third Commonwealth Games to be hosted in England, following London 1934 and Manchester 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/games/birmingham-2022|title=Birmingham 2022|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120125/https://thecgf.com/games/birmingham-2022|archive-date=7 April 2018|url-status=live}} 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. However, in July 2023, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Victoria would no longer host the 2026 Games.{{Cite web|title=Australia's Victoria state pulls out of hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games|url=https://news.sky.com/story/victoria-state-pulls-out-of-hosting-2026-commonwealth-games-12922606|access-date=19 July 2023|website=Sky News|language=en}} The Scottish government later 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.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-17 |title=Scotland agrees to host Commonwealth Games in 2026 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8ddeeklxko |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the first held under the reign of King Charles III.

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. Three games have been hosted in Scotland, one in Wales, two in Asia (Malaysia (1) and India (1)) and one in the Caribbean (Jamaica (1)).{{Cite web|url=http://thecgf.com/games/story.asp|title=The Story of The Commonwealth Games|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|access-date=28 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416125811/http://thecgf.com/games/story.asp|archive-date=16 April 2017|url-status=dead}} The event has been awarded to, but never been held in, Africa, with Durban being stripped of the 2022 Games following financial issues.

{{main|Commonwealth Paraplegic Games}}

File:1962 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games Competitors Team Photograph.jpg 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.{{cite book|last1=DePauw|first1=Karen P|last2=Gavron|first2=Susan J|title=Disability sport|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BPsqAoFtG-sC&pg=PA102|access-date=25 February 2012|year=2005|publisher=Human Kinetics|isbn=978-0-7360-4638-1|pages=102–|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528065508/http://books.google.com/books?id=BPsqAoFtG-sC&pg=PA102|archive-date=28 May 2013|url-status=live}} 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|date=January 2021}} the top-ranking nation two times each: 1962, 1974 and 1966, 1970.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

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,{{cite web|last1=Van Ooyen and Justin Anjema|first1=Mark|last2=Anjema|first2=Justin|title=A Review and Interpretation of the Events of the 1994 Commonwealth Games|publisher=Redeemer University College|date=25 March 2004|url=http://sporthamilton.com/content/histroy/1994commonwealthgames.pdf|access-date=25 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731114220/http://sporthamilton.com/content/histroy/1994commonwealthgames.pdf|archive-date=31 July 2013 }} 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.{{cite web|title=Para-sports for elite athletes with a disability|url=http://www.thecgf.com/sports/ead.asp|work=Commonwealth Games Federation website|access-date=25 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130060533/http://thecgf.com/sports/ead.asp|archive-date=30 November 2010|url-status=dead}}

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:

{{Quote box

|quote = "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".

|source = — 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.paralympic.org/press-release/ipc-and-cgf-sign-co-operative-agreement|title=IPC and CGF Sign Co-operative Agreement|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|language=en|access-date=7 February 2020}}

{{Main|Commonwealth Winter Games}}

File:StMoritz.jpg, 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.Semanticus.info, [http://semanticus.info/en/meaning/T-D-Richardson-27279302/ T.D. Richardson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726233649/http://semanticus.info/en/meaning/T-D-Richardson-27279302/|date=26 July 2014}} (accessed 7 July 2012) The 1958 Commonwealth Winter Games were held in St. Moritz, Switzerland and was the inaugural games for the winter edition.CBC News, [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/canadian-ski-museum-in-trouble-1.1073550 Canadian Ski Museum in trouble], 15 March 2011, Ashley Burke (accessed 7 July 2012)NZ Collector Services [http://nzcollectorservices.co.nz/product_info.php?products_id=2613 St. Moritz 1958 Commonwealth Winter Games silver medal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416045615/http://nzcollectorservices.co.nz/product_info.php?products_id=2613|date=16 April 2017 }} (accessed 7 July 2012) 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.Antiques Reporter, [http://www.antiquesreporter.com.au/index.cfm/lot/303014-1962-british-commonwealth-winter-games-in-stmoritz-participation/ St. Mortiz 1966 Commonwealth Winter Games bronze medal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070457/https://www.antiquesreporter.com.au/index.cfm/lot/303014-1962-british-commonwealth-winter-games-in-stmoritz-participation/|date=30 March 2019 }} (accessed 7 July 2012)

{{main|Commonwealth Youth Games}}

The Commonwealth Youth Games is an international multi-sport event organised by the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Commonwealth Youth Games is 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.{{Cite web|url=http://bendigo2004.thecgf.com/About_the_Games/|title= About the Games|website=Bendigo 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games|access-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017114244/http://bendigo2004.thecgf.com/About_the_Games/|archive-date=17 October 2017|url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Commonwealth Games Federation}}

File:London Shopping 002 (6166876525) (2).jpg 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.{{Cite web|url=http://thecgf.com/about/role.asp|title=The Role of The CGF|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823023143/http://thecgf.com/about/role.asp|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=dead}} The Commonwealth House in London, England hosts the headquarters of CGF.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/contact|title=Contact Information|website=Commonwealth Games Federation|language=en|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510115608/https://thecgf.com/contact|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=live}} The Commonwealth House also hosts the headquarters of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.{{Cite web|url=https://thercs.org/contact/|title=Contact {{!}} Royal Commonwealth Society|website=thercs.org|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510184110/https://thercs.org/contact/|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=usurped}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.clgf.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/|title=Contact us – CLGF|website=clgf.org.uk|language=en|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510120039/http://www.clgf.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/contact/federations.asp|title=Commonwealth Games Federation – Sports Contacts|website=thecgf.com|access-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908021246/https://thecgf.com/contact/federations.asp|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=dead}}
• 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/contact/cga.asp|title=Commonwealth Games Federation – CGA Contacts|website=thecgf.com|access-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908020021/https://thecgf.com/contact/cga.asp|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=dead}}
• 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2019-11/CGF%20Constitution%20Final.pdf|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2019-11/CGF%20Constitution%20Final.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2022|url-status=live|title=CGF Constitution|website=Commonwealth Games Federation}}

{{Main|Queen's Baton Relay}}

File:Bilston St.-Garrick St. - geograph.org.uk - 536739.jpg for the 2002 Commonwealth Games ]]

The King'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 King 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 King or his representative, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games. The King's Baton Relay is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay.{{cite web|url=http://qbr.melbourne2006.com.au/?s=tradition|title=Queen's Baton Relay: The tradition continues...|publisher=Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation|access-date=15 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211012817/http://qbr.melbourne2006.com.au/?s=tradition|archive-date=11 February 2007|url-status=dead}}

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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1043876/design-and-route-for-gold-coast-2018-queens-baton-relay-revealed|title=Design and route for Gold Coast 2018 Queen's Baton Relay revealed|date=20 November 2016|access-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908021619/http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1043876/design-and-route-for-gold-coast-2018-queens-baton-relay-revealed|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=live}}

File:Comm Games 2006 finale.JPG at Melbourne]]

The opening 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.{{Cite news|url=http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/randomaccess/the-cwg-opening-show-reality-rs-350-crore/|title=The CWG opening show reality: Rs 350 crore|work=The Times of India Blog|access-date=21 August 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707180834/http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/randomaccess/the-cwg-opening-show-reality-rs-350-crore/|archive-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live}}

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.

File:Commonwealth Games closing ceremony picture.jpeg 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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/constitution.pdf|title=Constitution {{!}} Commonwealth Games Federation|website=CGF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713120807/https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/constitution.pdf|archive-date=13 July 2019}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://thecgf.com/search/oath.asp|title=Commonwealth Games Federation – Oath & Award|website=thecgf.com|access-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827130116/http://thecgf.com/search/oath.asp|archive-date=27 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

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.

"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.{{cite web|title=11 Things You Didn't Know about National Anthems|url=https://www.birmingham2022.com/news/2724264/www.birmingham2022.com/news/2724264/11-things-you-didn-t-know-about-national-anthems|access-date=7 August 2022|website=Commonwealth Games – Birmingham 2022}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes }}

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):

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}} {{location map+|North America

|float = left

|width = 300

|caption = Host cities of Commonwealth Games
(Canada and Caribbean)

|places =

{{Location map~|North America|position=right|lat=43.247362|long=-79.864457|label=1930}}

{{Location map~|North America|position=right|lat=49.283820|long=-123.122547|label=1954}}

{{Location map~|North America|position=right|lat=18.016625|long=-76.800674|label=1966}}

{{Location map~|North America|position=right|lat=53.544127|long=-113.491225|label=1978}}

{{Location map~|North America|position=left|lat=48.427598|long=-123.366658|label=1994}}

}}

{{col-break}}

{{location map+|United Kingdom

|float = center

|width = 250

|caption = Host cities of Commonwealth Games
(Great Britain)

|places =

{{Location map~|United Kingdom|position=left|lat=51.507222|long=-0.1275|label=1934}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom|position=left|lat=51.481667|long=-3.179167|label=1958}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom|position=right|lat=55.953333|long=-3.189167|label=1970, 1986}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom|position=right|lat=53.479444|long=-2.245278|label=2002}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom|position=left|lat=55.861111|long=-4.25|label=2014, 2026}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom|position=right|lat=52.4862|long=-1.8904|label=2022}}

}} {{col-break}}

{{location map+|Oceania

|float = right

|width = 300

|caption = Host cities of Commonwealth Games
(Australia, New Zealand and Oceania)

|places =

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=left|lat=-33.859972|long=151.209444|label=1938}}

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=top|lat=-36.857312|long=174.760972|label=1950, 1990}}

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=right|lat=-31.950604|long=115.860778|label=1962}}

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=left|lat=-43.734701|long=172.623768|label=1974}}

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=top|lat=-27.473660|long=153.026010|label=1982}}

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=bottom|lat=-37.812836|long=144.963056|label=2006}}

{{Location map~|Oceania|position=right|lat=-28.014611|long=153.402151|label=2018}}

}}

{{location map+|Asia

|float = right

|width = 300

|caption = Host cities of Commonwealth Games
(Asia)

|places =

{{Location map~|Asia|position=left|lat=28.594864|long=77.222577|label=2010}}

{{Location map~|Asia|position=top|lat=3.147778|long=101.695278|label=1998}}

}}

{{col-break}}

{{col-end}}

{{main|All-time Commonwealth Games medal table}}

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

:Updated after 2022 Commonwealth Games.

{{Medals table

|caption =

|host =

|flag_template = flagCGFteam

|event =

|team = CGA

|gold_AUS = 1003|silver_AUS = 834|bronze_AUS = 767

|gold_ENG = 773|silver_ENG = 783|bronze_ENG = 766

|gold_CAN = 510|silver_CAN = 548|bronze_CAN = 589

|gold_IND = 203|silver_IND = 190|bronze_IND = 171

|gold_NZL = 179|silver_NZL = 232|bronze_NZL = 295

|gold_RSA = 137|silver_RSA = 132|bronze_RSA = 147

|gold_SCO = 132|silver_SCO = 143|bronze_SCO = 227

|gold_KEN = 91|silver_KEN = 80|bronze_KEN = 87

|gold_NGR = 82|silver_NGR = 84|bronze_NGR = 105

|gold_WAL = 75|silver_WAL = 104|bronze_WAL = 155

|gold_MAS = 69|silver_MAS = 78|bronze_MAS = 91

|gold_JAM = 65|silver_JAM = 53|bronze_JAM = 58

|gold_SGP = 41|silver_SGP = 31|bronze_SGP = 37

|gold_NIR = 37|silver_NIR = 46|bronze_NIR = 59

|gold_PAK = 27|silver_PAK = 27|bronze_PAK = 29

|gold_CYP = 25|silver_CYP = 16|bronze_CYP = 23

|gold_UGA = 19|silver_UGA = 16|bronze_UGA = 25

|gold_GHA = 15|silver_GHA = 20|bronze_GHA = 28|note_GHA = {{ref|a|[a]}}

|gold_TRI = 13|silver_TRI = 23|bronze_TRI = 26

|gold_BAH = 11|silver_BAH = 14|bronze_BAH = 13

|gold_CMR = 11|silver_CMR = 12|bronze_CMR = 17

|gold_NRU = 10|silver_NRU = 11|bronze_NRU = 10

|gold_ZIM = 6|silver_ZIM = 9|bronze_ZIM = 14|name_ZIM = {{flagCGFteam|ZIM}}|note_ZIM = {{ref|b|[b]}}

|gold_TAN = 6|silver_TAN = 7|bronze_TAN = 11

|gold_SAM = 6|silver_SAM = 12|bronze_SAM = 11

|gold_PNG = 5|silver_PNG = 8|bronze_PNG = 2

|gold_BOT = 5|silver_BOT = 6|bronze_BOT = 8

|gold_NAM = 5|silver_NAM = 4|bronze_NAM = 15

|gold_HKG = 5|silver_HKG = 2|bronze_HKG = 10|name_HKG = {{flagCGFteam|HKG}}

|gold_ZAM = 5|silver_ZAM = 13|bronze_ZAM = 24|note_ZAM = {{ref|c|[c]}}

|gold_SRI = 4|silver_SRI = 9|bronze_SRI = 11|note_SRI = {{ref|d|[d]}}

|gold_GUY = 4|silver_GUY = 6|bronze_GUY = 6|note_GUY = {{ref|e|[e]}}

|gold_FIJ = 4|silver_FIJ = 7|bronze_FIJ = 12

|gold_IOM = 3|silver_IOM = 3|bronze_IOM = 6

|gold_BAN = 2|silver_BAN = 4|bronze_BAN = 2

|gold_BAR = 3|silver_BAR = 4|bronze_BAR = 8

|gold_MAL = 2|silver_MAL = 3|bronze_MAL = 2|name_MAL = {{flagCGFteam|MAL}} (Malaya)

|gold_BER = 3|silver_BER = 2|bronze_BER = 3

|gold_MOZ = 2|silver_MOZ = 4|bronze_MOZ = 3

|gold_GRN = 3|silver_GRN = 2|bronze_GRN = 2

|gold_SVG = 2|silver_SVG = 0|bronze_SVG = 1

|gold_MRI = 1|silver_MRI = 9|bronze_MRI = 8

|gold_GUE = 1|silver_GUE = 4|bronze_GUE = 3

|gold_LES = 1|silver_LES = 1|bronze_LES = 1

|gold_JER = 1|silver_JER = 0|bronze_JER = 3

|gold_LCA = 1|silver_LCA = 1|bronze_LCA = 3

|gold_CAY = 1|silver_CAY = 0|bronze_CAY = 1

|gold_IVB = 2|silver_IVB = 0|bronze_IVB = 0

|gold_KIR = 1|silver_KIR = 0|bronze_KIR = 0

|gold_SKN = 1|silver_SKN = 0|bronze_SKN = 0

|gold_SEY = 0|silver_SEY = 3|bronze_SEY = 4

|gold_FRN = 0|silver_FRN = 2|bronze_FRN = 5|name_FRN = {{flagCGFteam|FRN}}

|gold_MLT = 0|silver_MLT = 1|bronze_MLT = 6

|gold_SWZ = 0|silver_SWZ = 1|bronze_SWZ = 3

|gold_DMA = 0|silver_DMA = 2|bronze_DMA = 1

|gold_IRE = 0|silver_IRE = 1|bronze_IRE = 0|name_IRE = {{flagCGFteam|IRE}}

|gold_MAW = 0|silver_MAW = 0|bronze_MAW = 3

|gold_TON = 0|silver_TON = 0|bronze_TON = 3

|gold_NFI = 0|silver_NFI = 0|bronze_NFI = 2

|gold_VAN = 0|silver_VAN = 0|bronze_VAN = 3

|gold_COK = 0|silver_COK = 0|bronze_COK = 1

|gold_NIU = 0|silver_NIU = 0|bronze_NIU = 1

|gold_SOL = 0|silver_SOL = 0|bronze_SOL = 1

|gold_GAM = 0|silver_GAM = 1|bronze_GAM = 1

}}

• {{note|a|[a]}} Totals for Ghana include all medals won as {{flagCGFteam|GCO}}
• {{note|b|[b]}} Totals for Zimbabwe include all medals won as {{flagCGFteam|SRH}}
• {{note|c|[c]}} Totals for Zambia include all medals won as {{flagCGFteam|NRH}}
• {{note|d|[d]}} Totals for Sri Lanka include all medals won as {{flagCGFteam|CEY}}
• {{note|e|[e]}} Totals for Guyana include all medals won as {{flagCGFteam|BGU}}

{{further|Commonwealth Games sports|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.{{Cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/constitution.pdf|title=Commonwealth Games Charter|website=thecgf.com|language=en|access-date=3 September 2020|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713120807/https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/constitution.pdf|url-status=live}} The current rules also determine gender parity, whereby men and women have an equal (or broadly equal) share of events.{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/level-playing-field-for-women-at-2018-commonwealth-games-1-4251310|title=Level playing field for women at 2018 Commonwealth Games|date=7 October 2016|newspaper=The Scotsman|access-date=7 October 2016|location=Edinburgh, Scotland|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009205111/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/level-playing-field-for-women-at-2018-commonwealth-games-1-4251310|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/index.php/articles/1042362/gold-coast-2018-to-offer-same-amount-of-medals-for-men-and-women-after-seven-events-added|title=Gold Coast 2018 to offer same amount of medals for men and women after seven events added|last1=McKay|first1=Duncan|date=7 October 2016|website=Insidethegames.biz|publisher=Dunsar Media|access-date=7 October 2016|archive-date=8 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208034918/http://www.insidethegames.biz/index.php/articles/1042362/gold-coast-2018-to-offer-same-amount-of-medals-for-men-and-women-after-seven-events-added|url-status=live}}

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.

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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.{{cite web|url=http://www.hostcity.com/news/event-bidding/commonwealth-games-transformed-attract-aspiring-cities|title=Commonwealth Games transformed to attract aspiring cities|date=2 April 2015|last=Avison|first=Ben|access-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223534/http://www.hostcity.com/news/event-bidding/commonwealth-games-transformed-attract-aspiring-cities|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=live}}

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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;[https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/constitution.pdf]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713120807/https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/constitution.pdf|date=13 July 2019}}. Commonwealth Games Federation. Retrieved 27 July 2022. host nations may not pick these sports for their program until the Federation's requirements are fulfilled.[http://www.thecgf.com/sports/ Sports Programme] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502101439/http://www.thecgf.com/sports/|date=2 May 2013 }}. Commonwealth Games Federation. Retrieved 4 June 2016.

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{{Main|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.

[[File:Commonwealth Games years participants.PNG|upright=2.75|thumb|alt=Locations of the games, and participating countries|

{{legend2|#9966cc|Countries that have hosted, or plan to host, the event|border=solid 1px#AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#d45c4c|Other countries that enter the games|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#54e464|Countries that have entered the games but no longer do so|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}

{{0}}•{{0}} Host cities and year of games|center]]

{{Cleanup section|date=June 2025|reason=The collapsed table is a good idea, but needs fixing by someone who understands the system.}}

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Very few Commonwealth nations and dependencies have yet to take part:{{cite web|title=Associated & Overseas Territories|website=Commonwealth of Nations|date=14 April 2014|url=https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/commonwealth/commonwealth-membership/associated-and-overseas-territories/|access-date=20 January 2024|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921075014/https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/commonwealth/commonwealth-membership/associated-and-overseas-territories/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.topendsports.com/events/commonwealth-games/countries/future.htm|title=Commonwealth Games Non-Participating Countries|website=topendsports.com|language=en|access-date=20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420203014/https://www.topendsports.com/events/commonwealth-games/countries/future.htm|archive-date=20 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=McConnachie|first=Alistair|title=Looking Towards the British Wealth in Common Games|website=A Force For Good|date=21 June 2014|url=https://www.aforceforgood.org.uk/games/bcw1#linkfour|access-date=20 January 2024}}

• Gabon and Togo, the most recent members to join the Commonwealth in 2022, became part of the Commonwealth Games Federation in 2023 and are expected to make their debut in the 2026 edition.{{cite web|title=Gabon Togo and macau join the Commonwealth Family|website=Commonwealth Sport|date=15 November 2023|url=https://www.commonwealthsport.com/news/3786116/gabon-and-togo-join-the-commonwealth-family|access-date=20 January 2024}}
• Tokelau, a dependency of New Zealand, was expected to take part for the first time at the 2010 Games in Delhi but did not do so.{{cite web|url=http://www.commonwealthgame2010.com/delhi/participating-countries.html|title=Commonwealth Games 2010|accessdate=17 November 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020092950/http://commonwealthgame2010.com/delhi/participating-countries.html|archivedate=20 October 2010}} In 2018, Tokelau was noted to be ineligible for the Commonwealth Games until it became affiliated to at least five international sport federations.{{cite web|title=Sport: Tokelau wrestling earns Commonwealth nod|website=RNZ |date=11 May 2018|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/357136/sport-tokelau-wrestling-earns-commonwealth-nod|access-date=20 January 2024}}
• Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, both external territories of Australia like Norfolk Island, have not yet sent teams of their own.
• The Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory, does not compete due to its small population (around 50 people).{{cite web|title=Pitcairn's Population|website=LibGuides at Pacific Union College|date=3 May 2021|url=https://puc.libguides.com/PISC-pitcairnpopulation|access-date=20 January 2024}}

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 and so are unlikely to be eligible.

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.{{cite web|title=Cornish out of running for Games|website=BBC NEWS|date=2 January 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/4575246.stm|access-date=20 January 2024}}{{cite web|last=Harris|first=John|title=John Harris: Cornwall wants to be a part of Commonwealth Games|website=the Guardian|date=4 January 2006|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jan/04/johnharris.features11|access-date=20 January 2024}} Cornwall political party Mebyon Kernow unsuccessfully called for a Cornwall team at the 2022 Games.{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Emma|title=Calls for Cornwall to be allowed to enter its own team at the next Commonwealth Games|website=Pirate FM|date=2 August 2022|url=https://planetradio.co.uk/pirate-fm/local/news/calls-for-cornwall-team-at-commonwealth-games/|access-date=20 January 2024}}

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

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.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5DlxTDEIaYC&pg=PA170|title=The Emergence of International Society in the 1920s|last=Gorman|first=Daniel|date=31 July 2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9781107021136|page=170|access-date=27 May 2013}}

The 2022 Commonwealth Games were originally awarded to Durban on 2 September 2015, at the CGF General Assembly in Auckland.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/34125467|title=Commonwealth Games: Durban confirmed as 2022 host city|date=2 September 2015|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 February 2018|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804195951/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/34125467|archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/39256432|title=Commonwealth Games: Durban, South Africa will not host Games in 2022|date=13 March 2017|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 February 2018|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204162108/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/39256432|archive-date=4 February 2018|url-status=live}} Many cities from Australia, Canada, England and Malaysia expressed interest to host the games. However, the CGF received only one official bid and that was from Birmingham, England.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/41455347|title=Commonwealth Games 2022: Birmingham only bidder for event|date=30 September 2017|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 February 2018|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201195548/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/41455347|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live}} On 21 December 2017, Birmingham was awarded for the 2022 Games as Durban's replacement host.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/dec/21/birmingham-named-2022-commonwealth-games-host-city|title=Birmingham officially named as 2022 Commonwealth Games host city|last=Kelner|first=Martha|date=21 December 2017|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184516/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/dec/21/birmingham-named-2022-commonwealth-games-host-city|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}}

The state of Victoria, Australia was selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. On 18 July 2023, the Premier of Victoria Dan Andrews announced the cancellation of the event in Victoria. Premier Andrews cited a significant increase in forecast cost for the reason suggesting the initial estimate of A$2.6 billion was likely to be closer to A$6–7 billion.{{Cite news|date=18 July 2023|title=Commonwealth Games: 2026 event in doubt after Victoria cancels|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-66229574|access-date=6 August 2023}}{{Cite news|last=Pender|first=Kieran|date=18 July 2023|title=Does Victoria's 2026 cancellation sound Commonwealth Games death knell?|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jul/18/commonwealth-games-2026-cancellation-will-it-return-victoria|access-date=6 August 2023|issn=0261-3077}} On 18 July 2023, the Victorian state government announced it had cancelled its plans to host the games, citing an escalation in its cost projections relative to initial estimations. With no host city, there was a possibility that the games would be postponed to 2027 or cancelled.{{Cite news|date=17 July 2023|title=Commonwealth Games: 2026 event in doubt after Victoria cancels|language=en-UK|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-66229574|access-date=17 July 2023}}{{Cite web|title=Commonwealth Games Costs Too High At Over $6 Billion {{!}} Premier of Victoria|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/commonwealth-games-costs-too-high-over-6-billion|access-date=18 July 2023|website=www.premier.vic.gov.au|language=en}}{{Cite news|first1=Paul|last1=Karp|first2=Cait|last2=Kelly|first3=Adeshola|last3=Ore|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/18/australia-commonwealth-games-2026-victoria-cancels-event-after-funding-shortfall|title =Australia Commonwealth Games 2026: Victoria cancels event after costs blow out to $7bn|newspaper=The Guardian|date=18 July 2023|access-date=17 July 2023}} However, on 17 September 2024, it was announced that the Scottish Government had agreed to host the 2026 games in Glasgow.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8ddeeklxko | title=Scotland agrees to host Commonwealth Games in 2026 | date=17 September 2024 }}

Much like the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games have also experienced boycotts:

Nigeria boycotted the 1978 Commonwealth Games at Edmonton in protest of New Zealand's sporting contacts with apartheid-era South Africa. Uganda also stayed away, in protest of alleged Canadian hostility towards the government of Idi Amin.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thecgf.com/games/intro.asp?yr=1978|title=Commonwealth Games Federation – 1978 Commonwealth Games – Introduction|website=thecgf.com|access-date=6 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414194244/http://thecgf.com/games/intro.asp?yr=1978|archive-date=14 April 2017|url-status=dead}}

File:1986 Commonwealth Games (Edinburgh) boycotting countries (red).png

During the 1986 Commonwealth Games at Edinburgh, a majority of the Commonwealth nations staged a boycott, so that the Games appeared to be a whites-only event. Thirty two of the eligible fifty nine countries—largely African, Asian and Caribbean states—stayed away because of the Thatcher government's policy of keeping Britain's sporting links with apartheid South Africa in preference to participating in the general sporting boycott of that country. Consequently, Edinburgh 1986 witnessed the lowest number of athletes since Auckland 1950.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/commonwealth-games/2014/16048-scottish-independence-referendum-will-increase-interest-in-glasgow-2014-it-is-claimed|title=Scottish independence referendum will increase interest in Glasgow 2014, it is claimed | Glasgow 2014|date=29 February 2012|publisher=insidethegames.biz|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811024929/http://insidethegames.biz/commonwealth-games/2014/16048-scottish-independence-referendum-will-increase-interest-in-glasgow-2014-it-is-claimed|archive-date=11 August 2012|url-status=live}} The boycotting nations were Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Belize, Cyprus, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Grenada, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-20-mn-17233-story.html|title=8 More Nations Join Boycott of Commonwealth Games; Total Now 23|agency=Reuters|date=20 July 1986|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=23 August 2017|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221010750/http://articles.latimes.com/1986-07-20/news/mn-17233_1_commonwealth-games|archive-date=21 February 2017|url-status=live}} Bermuda was a particularly late withdrawal, as its athletes appeared in the opening ceremony and in the opening day of competition before the Bermuda Olympic Association decided to formally withdraw.{{cite news|last=Fraser|first=Graham|date=25 April 2014|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/commonwealth-games/27165110|title=Glasgow 2014: The Bermuda boycott of 1986 that still hurts|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111114123/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/commonwealth-games/27165110|archive-date=11 November 2014|url-status=live}}

The 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane took place amid mass protests for Australian Aboriginal rights. The controversial Joh Bjelke-Petersen state government had been repeatedly been challenged by the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties over the restrictions it placed on freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom to protest. The Government of Queensland did not recognise Aboriginal land rights. Queensland also placed severe legal restrictions on Aboriginal people through the "Aboriginal Act 1971".

Aboriginal activists including Gary Foley planned mass demonstrations in Brisbane during the week of the games, dubbed the "Stolenwealth Games". In response, Queensland passed "The Commonwealth Games Act 1982" to restrict protests in or near the event. When Aboriginal activists and their supporters marched anyway, hundreds were arrested. The protests were recorded in the documentary "Guniwaya Ngigu".

Further "Stolenwealth Games" protests took place during the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.{{cite news|last= Latimore|first= Jack|date= 9 April 2018|title='The fight never left': Stolenwealth Games protesters draw on long tradition|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/09/the-fight-never-left-stolenwealth-games-protesters-draw-on-long-tradition|work= Guardian, The|location=|access-date=18 September 2023}}

The estimated cost of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi was US$11 billion, according to Business Today magazine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/25/delhi-commonwealth-games-organiser-arrested|title=Delhi Commonwealth Games organiser arrested in corruption investigation|agency=Associated Press|date=25 April 2011|website=The Guardian|access-date=8 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921204444/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/25/delhi-commonwealth-games-organiser-arrested|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live}} The initial total budget estimated by the Indian Olympic Association in 2003 was US$250 million. In 2010, however, the official total budget soon escalated to an estimated US$1.8 billion, a figure which excluded non-sports-related infrastructure development.{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/108072/Sport/payoffs-&-bribes-cast-a-shadow-on-cwg|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710055421/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/108072/Sport/payoffs-&-bribes-cast-a-shadow-on-cwg|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 July 2012|title=Payoffs & bribes cast a shadow on CWG: Sport : India Today|author1=Ravi Shankar|author2=Mihir Srivastava|date=7 August 2010|work=India Today|access-date=3 October 2010}} The 2010 Commonwealth Games is reportedly the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever.Melbourne 2006

An analysis conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the 2002, 2006, 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games found that each dollar spent by governments on operating costs, games venues and athletes' villages generated US$2 for the host city or state economies, with an average of more than 18,000 jobs generated by each of the events.{{cite web|title=New report reveals Commonwealth Games consistently provides over £1 billion boost for host cities|url=https://thecgf.com/news/new-report-reveals-commonwealth-games-consistently-provides-over-ps1-billion-boost-host-cities|website=The Commonwealth Games Federation|access-date=16 February 2022|archive-date=16 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216122417/https://thecgf.com/news/new-report-reveals-commonwealth-games-consistently-provides-over-ps1-billion-boost-host-cities|url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Games Value Framework|url=https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/CG_Value%20Framework_v1.pdf|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://thecgf.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/CG_Value%20Framework_v1.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2022|url-status=live|website=The Commonwealth Games Federation|publisher=PricewaterhouseCoopers|access-date=16 February 2022}} Additionally, all four cities enjoyed long-term improvements to transport or other infrastructure through hosting the Games, while some also benefited from the revival of struggling precincts.{{cite web|last1=Towell|first1=Noel|title=Games can deliver gold for Victoria's economy|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/games-can-deliver-gold-for-victoria-s-economy-20220216-p59wxa.html|website=The Age|date=16 February 2022 |access-date=16 February 2022}}

An analysis conducted by Ernst & Young found that the 2018 Commonwealth Games generated an estimated economic impact of $2.5 billion, while the venues constructed and upgraded for the Games generated over $60 million in economic benefit annually to the Gold Coast, with the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games credited with helping Brisbane to secure hosting rights for the 2032 Summer Olympics.{{cite web|title=GC2018 Legacy: Beyond the Games report 2024|url=https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckan-publications-attachments-prod/resources/eed229fa-e623-4cf1-b0f2-0cb0298e4b52/gc2018-legacy-report-2024.pdf?ETag=f1909b86222ff20de6d678c3e58fffd4|publisher=Ernst & Young|access-date=4 August 2024}}{{cite web|last1=Pierce|first1=Jeremy|title=Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games worth $300m so far: report|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/gold-coast-2018-commonwealth-games-worth-300m-so-far-report/news-story/17b82ff1df2be1d78ddd705c86f2ad86|website=The Courier Mail|access-date=4 August 2024}}

Lawn bowler Willie Wood from Scotland was the first competitor to have competed in seven Commonwealth Games, from 1974 to 2002, a record equalled in 2014 by Isle of Man cyclist Andrew Roche.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/commonwealth-games/26985985|title=Glasgow 2014: Mark Cavendish relishes idea of racing with mates|date=10 May 2014|access-date=10 May 2014|newspaper=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511023704/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/commonwealth-games/26985985|archive-date=11 May 2014|url-status=live }} They have both been surpassed by David Calvert of Northern Ireland who in 2018 attended his 11th games.{{cite news|title=Commonwealth Games: TeamNI announced for Gold Coast 2018|url=https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games-teamni-announced-for-gold-coast-2018-1-8314625|access-date=4 January 2018|work=Portadown Times|date=3 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180313/https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games-teamni-announced-for-gold-coast-2018-1-8314625|archive-date=5 January 2018|url-status=live}}

Sitiveni Rabuka was a Prime Minister of Fiji. Beforehand he represented Fiji in shot put, hammer throw, discus and the decathlon at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Greg Yelavich, a sports shooter from New Zealand, has won 12 medals in seven games from 1986 to 2010.{{cite web|title=Greg Yelavich|url=https://olympic.org.nz/athletes/greg-yelavich|website=New Zealand Olympic Team|access-date=22 July 2020|language=en|date=9 February 2016}}

Lawn bowler Robert Weale has represented Wales in 8 Commonwealth Games, 1986–2014, winning 2 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze.{{Cite news|title=Weale's Commonwealth Games memories|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/27973271|access-date=23 July 2021}}

Nauruan weightlifter Marcus Stephen won twelve medals at the Games between 1990 and 2002, of which seven gold, and was elected President of Nauru in 2007. His performance has helped place Nauru (the smallest independent state in the Commonwealth, at {{cvt|21|km2}} and with a population of fewer than 9,400 in 2011) in twenty-second place on the all-time Commonwealth Games medal table.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has won 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals and 1 silver medal. At the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, he won 4 gold medals. At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, he won 6 gold medals and 1 silver medal.{{Cite web|url=http://thecgf.com/search/legend.asp|title=Commonwealth Games Federation – Inspiring Athletes – Commonwealth Legend|website=thecgf.com|access-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827124937/http://thecgf.com/search/legend.asp|archive-date=27 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

Chad le Clos, South Africa's most decorated swimmer, has won 18 medals from four Commonwealth Games (2010, 2014, 2018 & 2022), seven of which are gold. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, he won two gold medals, one silver medal, and four bronze medals.[https://www.news24.com/News24/chad-le-clos-stars-at-commonwealth-games-with-record-7-medals-20150430 "Chad le Clos stars at Commonwealth Games with record 7 medals"]. News24. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2022. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, he won three golds, a silver and a bronze.{{Cite news|url=http://chadleclos.com/about-me/|title=About Me – Chad Le Clos|work=Chad Le Clos|access-date=16 April 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417105611/http://chadleclos.com/about-me/|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}

English actor Jason Statham took part as a diver in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.{{cite news|title=When Jason Statham participated in the 1990 Commonwealth Games|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/jason-statham-commonwealth-games-5123058/|website=The Indian Express|author=Shivangi Jalan|date=4 April 2018|access-date=27 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527171905/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/jason-statham-commonwealth-games-5123058/|archive-date=27 May 2019|url-status=live}}

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Australian singer Cody Simpson won a gold medal as a swimmer at the men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay.{{cite news|last1=Ramsay|first1=George|title=Cody Simpson returned to his 'first love' by swapping his music career for swimming and is set to compete at the Commonwealth Games|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/27/sport/cody-simpson-swimming-commonwealth-games-spt-intl/index.html|access-date=1 August 2022|work=CNN|date=28 July 2022}}

{{Portal|Sports

}}{{Columns-list|* Commonwealth Youth Games

• Commonwealth Mountain and Ultradistance Running Championships
• List of Commonwealth Games venues
• List of stamps depicting the Commonwealth Games
• List of Commonwealth Games mascots}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• Brown, Geoff and Hogsbjerg, Christian. Apartheid is not a Game: Remembering the Stop the Seventy Tour campaign. London: Redwords, 2020. {{ISBN|9781912926589}}.

• Phillips, Bob. Honour of Empire, Glory of Sport: the history of athletics at the Commonwealth Games. Manchester: Parrswood Press, 2000. {{ISBN|9781903158098}}.

{{Sister project links|auto=1|wikt=1|d=y}}

• {{official website|https://www.commonwealthsport.com/}}
• [https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/commonwealth/the-commonwealth-games/ Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) at the Commonwealth website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421042142/https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/commonwealth/the-commonwealth-games/ |date=21 April 2024 }}
• [https://www.britannica.com/sports/Commonwealth-Games "Commonwealth Games"]. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
• [http://www.insidethegames.biz/ insidethegames – the latest and most up to date news and interviews from the world of Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic Games]
• [http://www.aroundtherings.com/ ATR – Around the Rings – the Business Surrounding the Multi-sport events]
• [http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/ GamesBids.com – An Authoritative Review of Games Bid Business (home of the BidIndex™)]

{{Commonwealth Games years}}

{{Commonwealth Games Sports}}

{{Associations at the Commonwealth Games}}{{Commonwealth Championships}}

{{Commonwealth of Nations topics}}

{{Multi-sport events}}

{{Authority control}}

Commonwealth Games

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Category:Events in the British Empire

Category:Multi-sport events

Category:Politics and sports

Category:Quadrennial sporting events

Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1930