About Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent countries, almost all of which were formerly under British rule.

The origins of the Commonwealth come from Britain's former Empire. A large portion of the Commonwealth's members were countries that had historically been ruled by Britain at different points in time through conquest, conquest, or cession. These colonies' governance developed in various ways to take into account the unique conditions of each territory.

India was the first nation to decide, following its independence, that it wanted to stay a part of the Commonwealth even though it wanted to become a republic.

The 1949 London Declaration recognised King George VI as the Head of the Commonwealth in order to reconcile these goals. The leaders of the Commonwealth acknowledged Queen Elizabeth II in that capacity after his passing.

Host Cities

From the first host city of Hamilton in Canada, the Games have been held in many of the major Commonwealth Countries. Canada again held the Games in Vancouver in 1954, Edmonton in 1978 and Victoria in 1994. Australia has also held the games on four occasions, Sydney in 1938, Perth 1962, Brisbane 1982 and Melbourne in 2006. In 1998, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia hosted the games for the first time in an Asian country. In 2010, the Games returned to Asia and were held in Delhi. The next Commonwealth Games are to he held in Birmingham, UK in 2022.

What is Birmingham 2022?

The 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games is officially known as Birmingham 2022. According to the official website of the games, the edition at Birmingham is going to be different because, it will deliver the biggest integrated para-sports programme of any Commonwealth Games and, for the first time in global multi-sport event history, ore medals will be awarded to women than men.

Birmingham, one of the youngest cities in Europe, is thriving and incredibly diverse. It is well known for always giving guests from all over the world a warm welcome.

By showcasing the region's strengths of connectivity and accessibility, youth and inclusivity, and a focus on regeneration and rejuvenation, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will showcase the best of Global Britain to the world. Birmingham is in a great position to draw spectators to the Games and make sure that the UK and the Commonwealth benefit from hosting as well as the city and region.

Games open with spectacular ceremony

The magnificent Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Birmingham, England, on Thursday, July 28, featured the themes of unity, diversity, strength, and resiliency. This ceremony was broadcast live to billions of viewers around the globe.

4,500 athletes with and without disabilities from 72 countries and territories participated in this one-of-a-kind festival of sporting greatness at the Alexander Stadium in the English city of the West Midlands.

The athletes will compete in 19 sports, including eight Parasports, which is a record number. Any medals they win over the course of the next 11 days will be added to a shared medal total, which is an exceptional achievement at an international competition.

Birmingham Celebrated

In the story of Stella and the Dreamers, thousands of characters reflected the athletes' tenacity. A group of athletes from across the Commonwealth engaged in an exploration of Birmingham's history, culture, and identity. Birmingham was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution in the production of iron and steel.

Where to Watch

• UK: BBC TV, Radio, iPlayer
• Canada: CBC Sports, CBC Sports app
• Australia: Channel 7, 7Plus
• New Zealand: Sky, TVNZ
• India: Sony LIV

The complete list of sports

The 11-day-long event is a celebration of all things sport as well as being designed to bring together all the nations who are part of the Commonwealth.

72 teams, made up of 54 countries and 18 territories, will compete in 19 different sports with a gold, silver and bronze medal up for grabs for the first, second and third-place finishers.

At Birmingham 2022, which will be the 22nd edition of the Games, there will be more medals available for women than men and the largest para sport programme in the history of the event.