About Commonwealth Games

About Commonwealth Games

As India is going to host the Commonwealth Games of this year, fever of the grand event is high among Indians. This article is intended to provide information to the readers about the commonwealth games and its tradition. Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event which is organised in every four years. The game is supervised by the Commonwealth Games Federation. Elite sports person from different countries of the Commonwealth Nations participate in this event to show their efficiency in various sports.

Commonwealth Games stands as the third largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympic Games and Asian Games. The title of the Commonwealth Games has undergone many changes in the past. It was first held in the title of British Empire Games in 1930. In 1954 the name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Again in 1970 it changed its title to British Commonwealth Games. The current title of the multi-sport event is obtained in 1978.

The Commonwealth Games is being played by 71 teams from the 54 members of the Commonwealth Nations. The Commonwealth Games Federation selects a host city for every event from the member countries of the Commonwealth Nations. All other countries visit the host country to participate in the event. The last Commonwealth Games was hosted by Melbourne, Australia and the next event would be hosted by Delhi, the capital of India.

A number of sports are played in the Commonwealth Games out of which the notable ones are Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Diving, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens. Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. A famous tradition of the Commonwealth Games is the Queen's Baton Relay. The event is marked by a relay of athletes carrying a baton from Buckingham Palace to the host city on the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. The baton carries greetings of the queen for the athletes. The last baton bearer is generally a notable athlete of the host nation.

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