Commonwealth Games at a Crossroads: Assessing Their Relevance in Modern Global Sports

29 Jul Commonwealth Games at a Crossroads: Assessing Their Relevance in Modern Global Sports

Why in News?

The Commonwealth Games 2026, being held in Glasgow, Scotland, are taking place in a significantly scaled-down format with fewer sports and venues. At the same time, Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, highlighting India’s continued sporting success.

However, The Hindu editorial “Diminishing Relevance” argues that the Commonwealth Games are gradually losing global importance due to rising costs, declining participation, and stronger competition from the Olympics and Asian Games. The editorial also emphasizes the need for India to strengthen sports governance as it prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims

• Commonwealth of Nations
• Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
• Major International Sporting Events

Mains

• GS Paper II: International Relations (Soft Power Diplomacy)
• GS Paper II: Governance and Public Institutions
• GS Paper III: Sports Governance, Public Policy
• Essay: Sports and Nation Building, Sports Governance, Soft Power

Quick Facts

Background

The Commonwealth Games originated in 1930 as the British Empire Games with the objective of strengthening cultural and sporting ties among countries of the former British Empire.

Over time, the Games evolved into a multi-sport event involving members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Although they continue to provide valuable international exposure, their global stature has declined compared to the Olympics and Asian Games.

Why Are the Commonwealth Games Losing Relevance?

Rising Cost of Hosting

Hosting a major sporting event requires substantial investment in stadiums, transport, accommodation, and security.

Consequently, many countries have become reluctant to host the Games due to financial concerns. The withdrawal of Victoria (Australia) as the host for the 2026 Games illustrates this challenge.

Reduced Number of Sports

The Glasgow 2026 edition features fewer disciplines than previous editions.

As a result, several sports in which India traditionally performs well—such as wrestling, badminton, hockey, table tennis, and squash—have been excluded.

This has reduced both medal opportunities and spectator interest.

Competition from Larger Events

The Olympic Games remain the world’s premier sporting event, while the Asian Games have gained increasing importance for Asian countries.

Moreover, professional leagues and world championships now offer athletes greater visibility, prize money, and ranking opportunities.

Therefore, the Commonwealth Games no longer occupy the same position in the global sporting calendar.

Limited Global Representation

Unlike the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games include only Commonwealth member nations.

Consequently, many of the world’s strongest sporting nations do not participate, reducing the event’s competitive depth.

Why Do the Commonwealth Games Still Matter?

Platform for Emerging Athletes

The Games continue to provide valuable international exposure for young athletes who aspire to compete at the Olympics and World Championships.

Many Indian sportspersons have used the Commonwealth Games as a stepping stone to greater international success.

India’s Sporting Strength

India has consistently performed well in sports such as:

• Weightlifting
• Boxing
• Shooting (when included)
• Wrestling (when included)
• Badminton
• Table Tennis

These performances contribute to athlete confidence and public interest in sports.

Soft Power and Diplomacy

International sporting events strengthen people-to-people ties and promote goodwill among participating countries.

Hosting such events also enhances a nation’s global image and demonstrates its organisational capacity.

Sports Governance: A Key Concern

The editorial highlights that India’s sporting achievements should be accompanied by stronger governance.

Anti-Doping Challenges

India has repeatedly reported a high number of anti-doping violations in recent years.

This affects:

• International credibility
• Athlete careers
• Medal prospects
• Reputation of sporting institutions

Therefore, stricter compliance with anti-doping rules is essential.

Financial Transparency

Large sporting events involve significant public expenditure.

Transparent procurement, independent audits, and effective oversight are necessary to prevent corruption and ensure public trust.

Athlete-Centric Reforms

Greater investment is required in:

• Coaching
• Sports science
• Nutrition
• Mental health support
• Grassroots talent identification

These measures can improve long-term sporting excellence.

India’s Opportunity: Commonwealth Games 2030

India is expected to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

This presents an opportunity to:

• Showcase world-class infrastructure.
• Promote sports tourism.
• Strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem.
• Enhance global sporting diplomacy.
• Create long-term community sports facilities.

However, successful hosting will depend on transparent governance, efficient planning, and sustainable infrastructure.

Significance of the Issue

Sports as Soft Power

International sporting success enhances India’s global image and strengthens diplomatic engagement.

Economic Benefits

Major sporting events generate employment, tourism, infrastructure development, and investment.

Youth Development

Sports encourage fitness, discipline, teamwork, and social inclusion among young people.

Global Reputation

Clean competition and transparent governance improve India’s credibility in international sports.

Challenges Ahead

• Rising cost of hosting mega-events
• Declining relevance of the Commonwealth Games
• Anti-doping violations
• Governance and transparency concerns
• Uneven sports infrastructure
• Limited grassroots development in several disciplines

Way Forward

Strengthen Sports Governance

Independent oversight, transparent funding, and professional sports administration should become standard practice.

Promote Clean Sports

NADA and sports federations must intensify anti-doping education, testing, and athlete awareness programmes.

Invest in Grassroots Sports

Schools, universities, and local academies should receive greater financial and technical support to identify future champions.

Ensure Sustainable Infrastructure

Sports facilities created for major events should remain useful for community participation after the Games conclude.

Focus on Athlete Welfare

Comprehensive support covering coaching, sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, and career planning should be expanded.

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the Commonwealth Games, consider the following statements:

1. The Commonwealth Games are organised every four years.
2. Participation is limited to members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
3. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) governs the event.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

All three statements are correct. The Commonwealth Games are held every four years and are governed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). Participation is restricted to nations and territories that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Q2. With reference to anti-doping regulation in India, consider the following statements:

1. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is India’s apex body for implementing anti-doping rules.
2. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the World Anti-Doping Code.
3. WADA functions as a specialized agency of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. NADA implements India’s anti-doping programme, while WADA develops and oversees the World Anti-Doping Code. However, WADA is an independent international foundation, not a specialized agency of the United Nations. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

The Commonwealth Games continue to offer opportunities for sporting excellence, yet their global relevance is increasingly being questioned. Examine the challenges facing the Commonwealth Games and discuss how India can leverage the 2030 Commonwealth Games to strengthen sports governance and enhance its soft power. (250 words)