The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event that takes place every four years, bringing together athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event features a variety of sports, each with their own unique rules and regulations. In this article, we will take a closer look at how many sports are played in the Commonwealth Games.
The History of the Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games were first held in 1930, in Hamilton, Canada. They were known as the British Empire Games at the time, and only eleven countries participated. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and size, with 71 countries participating in the most recent games in Gold Coast, Australia in 2018.
How Many Sports Are Played in the Commonwealth Games?
The number of sports played in the Commonwealth Games varies from year to year. In the most recent games, there were 19 sports on the program. These sports were:
- Athletics
- Aquatics (Swimming)
- Aquatics (Diving)
- Aquatics (Synchronized Swimming)
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cycling (Track)
- Cycling (Road)
- Cycling (Mountain Bike)
- Gymnastics (Artistic)
- Gymnastics (Rhythmic)
- Hockey
- Lawn Bowls
- Netball
- Rugby Sevens
- Squash
- Table Tennis
- Weightlifting
The Inclusion of New Sports
The Commonwealth Games Federation is always looking to include new sports in the program. The most recent addition was women's T20 cricket, which made its debut in the 2022 games in Birmingham, England. Other sports that have been considered for inclusion in future games include beach volleyball, climbing, and basketball 3x3.
The Most Successful Nations in the Commonwealth Games
Over the years, some nations have been more successful than others in the Commonwealth Games. The most successful nation in the history of the games is Australia, with a total of 852 gold medals. England is a close second, with 678 gold medals, while Canada comes in third with 469 gold medals.
The Next Commonwealth Games
The next Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, England in 2022. The event will feature 19 sports, including the new addition of women's T20 cricket. The games are expected to attract athletes and spectators from all over the world, and will be an exciting celebration of sport and culture.
