The recent decision by the organisers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games to remove several prominent sports—such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, squash, and shooting—from the event has reignited the debate over the Commonwealth’s relevance in today’s world.
Commonwealth of Nations
- The London Declaration of 1949 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Commonwealth of Nations.
- It transformed the Commonwealth from a group of countries bound by allegiance to the British Crown into a modern, voluntary association of independent nations, all equal in status.
- This declaration allowed countries that gained independence from Britain to remain part of the Commonwealth without needing to recognize the British monarch as their head of state.
- While the Commonwealth originally consisted of former British colonies, membership is voluntary. Some former British-controlled territories, such as the United States, have chosen not to join or have withdrawn from the organisation.
- The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) occurs every two years, while the Commonwealth Games are held every four years.
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- Withdrawal of Victoria: The journey to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games has faced significant challenges after Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to rising costs.
- Scottish Government Intervention: With no other country stepping in to host, the Scottish government intervened, resulting in a scaled-back version of the Games featuring only 10 disciplines instead of the original 19.
- Reduction in Disciplines: Six of the twelve disciplines where India previously secured medals have been dropped. In the 2022 Birmingham Games, India won 30 of its 61 medals(Such as Wrestling and Table Tennis) in sports that will not be included in the 2026 roster.
- Birmingham’s Existing Facilities: It is puzzling why the Games did not return to Birmingham, where existing infrastructure and resources from the 2022 edition remain intact.
- Glasgow’s Infrastructure: Glasgow possesses significant facilities that could have been utilised for the Games:
- The National Hockey Centre, built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, could have hosted the hockey tournament.
- The Titwood Cricket Ground, an international standard stadium approved for ODIs, could also have been leveraged for cricket matches.
Critics’ View on the Commonwealth of Nations
1. Questioning the Relevance
- Alternative Geopolitical Groupings: Critics argue that there are more effective geopolitical alliances for the CHOGM members in the 21st century, suggesting that athletes might find better platforms than the CWG for competition.
- Limited Athletic Achievement: Fewer world records are broken at the CWG compared to the Olympics or even the European Games, which offer more meaningful global competition for athletes.
2. Historical Legitimacy and Focus
- Legitimising Colonisation: Some critics contend that the existence of the Commonwealth legitimises historical colonisation. They argue that as sovereign nations, members should prioritise international relationships through other platforms like the UN and ASEAN.
3. Ineffectiveness in Global Issues
- COVID-19 Response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation faced criticism for its ineffectiveness in coordinating responses and supporting member states, raising doubts about its relevance in addressing contemporary global issues.
4. Host Country Controversies
- Rwanda’s Human Rights Record: The choice of Rwanda as the host for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) has raised questions due to concerns about the country’s human rights practices.
5. Lack of Cohesion Among Members
- UN Voting Abstentions: There is a lack of cohesion among Commonwealth countries, exemplified by nine nations abstaining from UN votes condemning Russia during the ongoing Ukraine war.
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6. Funding Constraints
- Limited Financial Resources: The Commonwealth’s international bureaucracy suffers from limited funding, with British investments primarily bilateral rather than aimed at enhancing the Secretariat’s programs.
Conclusion
The declining relevance of the Commonwealth suggests a need for member nations and athletes to move on from this grouping. With concerns about effectiveness, funding, and human rights, it may be time to shift focus to better platforms and events, ensuring that players are not disheartened by the limitations of the Commonwealth Games.
October 28, 2024
