CW Games History

HISTORY OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Commonwealth games

INTRODUCTION:

The Commonwealth games are a World Class, International Sporting Event participated by the members of the Commonwealth of Nations. As the XIXth Commonwealth Games get closer, let us take a look at the history of the Games.

THE COMMONWEALTH:

The Commonwealth of Nations is a Multinational intergovernmental Organization, comprising majorly of the countries earlier a part of the British Empire. It mainly aims at the improvement of Social cultural relationships and promotion of democracy and Human Rights. Though dubbed as “Non Political”, the Commonwealth of Nations has had a major influence in the promotion of inter governmental relationship between the former colonies of Great Britain.

THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES:

The Games first started as the BRITISH EMPIRE GAMES in 1930, and went through a series of name changes before attaining its current name. The Present name was bestowed upon in 1978. The Games are participated by 71 nations (due to the ban on Fiji) , including England, Australia, Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland.

QUEEN’S BATON RELAY:

The Queen’s Baton relay has been a symbol of The Commonwealth Games since the year 1958. The present Baton to be used in the 2010 Commonwealth Games was made from Aluminium and Gold and has various features like capturing image and sound, Storing messages sent by the people all over the world, GPS, and LED s to represent the colour of the flag of the Nation which it is currently in. It is relayed by famous celebrities and honorary personalities from the Commonwealth Nations as well.

THE GAMES – PAST AND PRESENT:

The Commonwealth games have enjoyed a healthy run except for a 12 year hiatus during the World War II, as the Games in 1942 to be held in Montreal were canceled. The United Kingdom has hosted the Games for a record 5 times while Australia and Canada have hosted it four times each. The last Commonwealth Games was held in Melbourne, Australia in 2006. The Next games, to be held in New Delhi, India start from the 3rd October, 2010 with the opening ceremony in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

EVENTS:

There are a total of 31 sports which have been approved to be a part of The Commonwealth Games. Out of these, the sports in the category of Core Sports are mandatory in all the Games.

The Core Sports are Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Field Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Squash, Swimming and Weightlifting. Apart from these, there are optional sports and some para sports.

The Optional Sports (which are picked by the host country) are Basketball, Cycling, Diving, Gymnastics, Judo, Shooting, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon and Wrestling. Also there are seven para sports.

EXPECTATIONS:

With The Commonwealth Games knocking at the door, the world sets its sight on the Current host Nation – India as it will try to outperform the former host – Australia in terms of event hosting. The capital New Delhi has been modernized, various projects undertaken and huge promises made for The Commonwealth Games. With The Commonwealth Games 2010 set to become the biggest CWG till date, we only have to wait for the beginning at the Opening Ceremony at New Delhi.