Posted On: 2022-08-16 17:09:01
The Commonwealth Games, also known as Friendly Games, is a quadrennial, multi-sport international competition for athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth of Nations, also known as the Commonwealth, is a political alliance comprised of 56 members, the vast majority of which were once British Empire colonies. The Commonwealth Games made a debut in 1930, after which it was held every four years; except for the years 1942 and 1946 because the game was cancelled because of World War II.
Commonwealth Games have brought nations together in colourful celebrations for years. The first Commonwealth Game was held in Hamilton, Canada in the year 1930. London, Australia, New Zealand, Wales, Jamaica, Scotland, India, Malaysia, and England have been other venues over the years.
The number of participants has increased to a great degree in the Games during the years. It has featured 11 countries and 400 athletes to remarking numbers of 4,600 sportsmen and women from across 72 nations and territories.
A Glorius Festival and Its Values
Commonwealth Games also popularly known as ‘Friendly Games’, aim to encourage athletes to compete in an atmosphere of fair play and friendship. The Games, which are supported by the fundamental ideals of humanity, equality, and destiny, seek to bring the Commonwealth family closer together through a spectacular festival of sport.
Through a festival of thrilling, fast-paced sport, exhilarating culture and dynamic business, Commonwealth Games thrives to make a world of difference for everyone throughout the world. This momentous event is a chance to celebrate a global community and human potential. The mission of the Games revolves around the ideas:
All of the decisions on the Commonwealth Games are guided by these values. They are crucial in generating inspiration and bringing people together around a common aim for the Games, and they have influenced how the Games have changed throughout time.
India at Commonwealth Games
India as a participant in the Commonwealth Games has marked tremendous success through the years in the Games. India first competed in the second edition of the Commonwealth Games in the year 1934, held in England.
The National Olympic Committee of India is responsible for organising India's participation in both the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games. It was formed and recognised in 1927. India has participated in the Commonwealth Games rather frequently, appearing in all but four of the competitions (1930, 1950, 1962, and 1986).
The Firsts!
Six athletes from India participated in 10 track and field events and one wrestling event at the CWG held in London in 1934. India's first Commonwealth Games resulted in one medal. Rashid Anwar was the first Indian to win a medal at the Games. He won a bronze medal in Freestyle Wrestling, in 1934.
The first few editions of the CWG were very challenging for India. Things took a smoother turn for India in 1958. Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh won the men's 440-yard event in Cardiff in 1958 and became the first Indian to earn a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Heavyweight wrestler Lila Ram's victory in the men's 100 kg freestyle division gave India another gold medal from the same event.
The same year was historic as field athletes Stephanie D’souza and Elizabeth Davenport became the first Indian women to compete at the Commonwealth Games, making it a milestone year for Indian women's participation in CWG.
Hosting the Commonwealth Games
India hosted the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. The energetic city of 18 million people hosted the Games in October 2010. A total of 4352 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and dependencies competed in 21 sports and 272 events, making it the largest Commonwealth Games to date.
The opening and closing ceremonies were held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main stadium of the event. Chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation Mike Fennell said, "Delhi delivered a magnificent Games."
India at 2022 Commonwealth Games
This year was the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England. The events started on July 28, 2022, and ended on 8th August 2022. Approximately 200 Indian athletes competed for medals across 16 different sports.
It was the 18th appearance of India in the CWG 2022. Hockey player Manpreet Singh and badminton athlete P. V. Sindhu served as the country's opening ceremony flagbearers. Anahat Singh, a squash player became the youngest Indian athlete to compete in the CWG at just 14 years of age, while, 45-year-old Lawn Bowls player, Sunil Bahadur was the oldest player contingent.
Indian athletes won a total of 61 medals- 22 golds, 16 silver, and 23 bronze at the CWG 2022. The Indian contingent at the Games experienced several historic firsts this year, including the nation's first-ever medal in lawn bowls. It was a historic occasion for India as they also won their first medals at the Commonwealth Games in the race walk and steeplechase at Birmingham.
When New Delhi served as the host city for Commonwealth Games 2010, India pulled its best-ever result by winning 101 medals. However, the country’s outstanding performance in Birmingham can be a close second despite the total number of medals won in 2002 or 69 medals in 2018.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted an event to honour all contingents who participated in the Commonwealth Games 2022 and represented India gloriously. Contingents thanked the prime minister for the felicitation.
The whole of India is extremely proud of every athlete that has represented India at the Commonwealth Games each year, and is even proud of bagging medals for the country!
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Author: Anjali Patel
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