Commonwealth Games History: The Commonwealth Games 2026 has started in Glasgow, Scotland. More than three thousand players from 74 countries and territories are taking part in this multi-sport event running from July 23 to August 2. 125 players from India will also present their challenge in eight sports. Today the Commonwealth Games is counted among the most prestigious sports events in the world, but do you know that it started with the aim of bringing the countries under British rule on one platform, while with time the Commonwealth Games has become a symbol of spirit, equality and international cooperation. Let us know the complete history of Commonwealth Games and its connection with India-
The idea of Commonwealth Games came up in 1891
The concept of the Commonwealth Games was first put forward by the British clergyman John Astley Cooper in the year 1891. He suggested that regular sporting competitions should be organized between players from countries under the British Empire. He believed that this would strengthen mutual relations between people of different countries and increase unity through sports. He named this proposal ‘Pan-British Festival’, but the plan could not be realized at that time.
The festival of 1911 became the foundation of the future
In the year 1911, ‘Festival of Empire’ was organized in London on the occasion of the coronation of Britain’s King George V. Players from countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa participated in it. But then it did not get the status of official Commonwealth Games. This event later proved to be the foundation of the Commonwealth Games.
The first official event took place in Canada in 1930.
During the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, sports officials of the British Empire decided to hold a separate sporting event every four years. After this, the first official Commonwealth Games were held in the city of Hamilton, Canada in 1930. Air travel was not easy in those times. Therefore most of the players reached Canada by sea ships. Many countries did not even have the travel expenses, so the organizers made the event a success by providing financial assistance.
Players from only 11 countries participated in the first edition
In the first Commonwealth Games, only about 400 players from 11 countries took part. At that time sports such as athletics, boxing, swimming, diving, wrestling and lawn bowls were included. Today the event has grown manifold and thousands of players participate in various sports.
Australia’s Bobby Pierce won the first gold medal
The first gold medal in Commonwealth Games history was won by Australian rower Bobby Pierce. Later, he also performed brilliantly in the Olympics and won the gold medal and made his mark at the international level.
India stepped forward for the first time in 1934
India participated in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in the year 1934. At that time India was under British rule and the Indian team consisted of only six players. Wrestler Rashid Anwar won the first medal for India. Who created history by winning the bronze medal.
Games canceled twice due to World War II
The journey to the Commonwealth Games was not without obstacles. The Games in 1942 and 1946 were canceled due to World War II. After the end of the war, these games started again in 1950 in Auckland, New Zealand and since then this event has been held regularly every four years.
Milkha Singh gave India its first gold medal
The first Commonwealth Games gold medal for India was won by legendary sprinter Milkha Singh in Cardiff in 1958. He created a new history by winning the 440 yard race. After this victory, he got recognition as ‘Flying Sikh’. In the same edition, Indian wrestler Leela Ram also made the country proud by winning the gold medal.
India hosted for the first time in 2010
The year 2010 was very special for India in the history of Commonwealth Games. New Delhi hosted these games for the first time and became the first city in South Asia to take charge of this prestigious event. Sports facilities and infrastructure were developed on a large scale in the capital for this event.
India created history in Delhi Commonwealth Games
The 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games proved to be the most successful edition to date for India. Indian players won a total of 101 medals including 38 gold, 27 silver and 36 bronze. With this, India reached second place in the medal table for the first time, which is still considered its best performance.
The name of the Commonwealth Games kept changing with time
The name of the Commonwealth Games was also changed from time to time. Initially it was called the British Empire Games. Later it was named British Empire and Commonwealth Games and then British Commonwealth Games. From the year 1978 it was officially called simply ‘Commonwealth Games’. This change reflects the changing philosophy of sports and equal participation of all member countries.
Who can participate in the Commonwealth Games
Only countries and territories that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations participate in this competition. Another special thing about this is that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland participate as separate teams, whereas in the Olympics they all play under Great Britain. This feature makes the Commonwealth Games different from other international competitions.
India’s performance continues to strengthen
India has consistently performed brilliantly in the Commonwealth Games in the last two decades. Indian players have brought glory to the country by winning many historic medals in sports like wrestling, boxing, badminton, weightlifting, table tennis and athletics. With every new edition, both India’s expectations and performance have become stronger.
India hopeful of medals in Glasgow 2026 also
125 players from India are challenging in eight sports in the Commonwealth Games 2026. The Indian contingent is expected to win medals in many events including boxing, wrestling, badminton and athletics. Glasgow is hosting the Games for the fourth time, making it one of the most experienced host cities in Commonwealth history. This journey, which started with 11 countries and 400 players in 1930, has today reached dozens of countries and thousands of players. This event has also become a witness to many historical achievements for India. In such a situation, every new Commonwealth Games becomes not just a sports competition, but a celebration of new hopes and new achievements among sports lovers and promising talents.
