Reconsidering the Relevance of the Commonwealth Games: Challenging Colonial Legacies

There were originally approximately 105 separate colonies controlled by Britain. Some 26 either united or were absorbed to become other countries, In general almost 24% of world population was controlled by Britain by the year 1920 out of which later Approximately 78 became separate independent countries and some 56 of those including INDIA are still members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

• How & Why did British Empire Games start

In the year 1930 first ever “British Empire Games” which was renamed as Commonwealth Games later, was held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from 16 to 23 August 1930 which was inaugurated by Lord Willingdon. I would love to choose calling this sporting event as “British Empire Games” rather than calling it as Commonwealth games, reason being it was only started by the British Empire when the British were about to exit or free the nations which were ruled by them.

• Why did they Rename it as CommonWealth Games

Few nations got their freedom through negotiations and few got it through fighting brutal war and losing a lot of their own money, culture & most importantly their own men & women. One more reason why this event started was to please Queen Elizabeth II as the symbolic head. And later on called this particular exercise as “free & equal nations”

As per me in this modern world this event has both its pros & cons that impacts on the countries in different ways right now, who were once ruled or absorbed by the British empire, I would like to take India and USA as an example to explain my reason in a better and simplistic way.

• How Much did India lose trying to Host this event in 2010

India Hosted Commonwealth Games in the year 2010, total estimated cost was 1,200/- cr. This included construction of sports facilities, accommodation & infrastructure apart from hosting the event itself.

Cons:

1. On 21 September 2010, a footbridge under construction for the Games near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed & killed 23,mainly workers, underscoring fears of poor workmanship.

2. One in three Indians lived below the poverty line and 40% of the hungry live in India, when 46% of India's children and 55% of women were malnourished, we did not have the need to host this 12 days event.

3. Labour laws were violated, under age children were employed, women safety was at threat.

4. There was a boom in the number of young girls, mostly from impoverished parts of India, coming to Delhi after being offered jobs by disguised criminals.

5. Unprecedented scams & also corruption.

Above points were only from 2010 within the nation for this particular event which happened.

• Even after being ruled by Britain, Why did the USA not join the CommonWealth Games & How did they grow bigger than the British as a  Nation?

Now, Why is the USA not in the commonwealth members list ? does it not want any of the benefits that the members get from it? There has to be a very strong reason behind it. But by the time the British Empire was breaking up, the USA had begun to form its own “Empire,” making it, psychologically, more an equal to England rather than an emerging child.

In general, nations that have had the bloodiest past’s with Britain (the USA, Ireland) have not joined the British Commonwealth. This is true despite the extreme closeness of the US and the UK today.

Another reason is that the Commonwealth nations, generally speaking, have inherited the Parliamentary system of democracy. 

1. The USA went its own way on that a long time ago. 

2. The USA plays baseball instead of cricket 

3. Another important difference is that USA plays Rugby instead of Football or widely known as Soccer 

Overall, at every step USA has gone beyond and differed itself from what Britain has done. I call that as “Set of principles & having single goal as a whole nation”

Pros

1. As a nation we get to have good relationships with other 55 nations & non member states as well.

2. We will be included in the decision making process in any treaty signed, it might be for example; peacemaking between nations/help during economic crises of any other nation/may be us too.

3. To have good diplomatic connections(which makes a huge difference in a very good way)

4. Strengthening rule of law, Human rights, achieving development & Democracy.

5. In maintaining peace among nations through the “The Commonwealth Secretariat” which was established in 1965.

Concluding by saying “NO” to CommonWealth games.

In conclusion, Why should we still be in the commonwealth games? Every member nation which is in CWG has to consider the "Queen as the Head of CWG" even today!!  When there are Olympics, which are more organized & prestigious, where all countries are welcomed and are treated equally, it's much more competitive than CWG. For me personally I feel that CWG was made by britishers and it was certain enough for the members to understand the reason as well at that point of time. But now it's time for all the members to understand their brutal battles that they fought, culture they lost & importantly families that got misplaced/wiped off and think to be independent now. Stop promoting British legacy by continuing participating and nurturing commonwealth games.