Commonwealth Games ‘where champions are made’ despite slimmed down model, argues president

GLASGOW: The president of Commonwealth Sport, Dr. Donald Rukare, told AFP the Commonwealth Games remains a stage “where champions are made” as Glasgow prepares to host a slimmed down version of the event.
The Games were plunged into crisis when the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts in July 2023, citing rising costs.
Glasgow also played host 12 years ago and was therefore in position to offer the solution of a condensed format using existing venues to minimize taxpayer costs.
A 10-sport and six para-sport event — down from a 19-sport and eight para-sport program four years ago in Birmingham — begins on Thursday with King Charles set to attend the opening ceremony and declare the Games open.
“We had that dark cloud over us in terms of having no Games, but Glasgow stepped in.

Scotland the brave as we say,” said Rukare.
First held 96 years ago, the Commonwealth Games evolved out of the British Empire Games and now comprises 74 nations and territories, mainly countries that were once subject to British imperial rule.
Positioned two years either side of the Olympic Games, the Commonwealths have historically served as an important staging post for stars of the future.
“It’s about the athletes,” added Rukare. “For some of the athletes, they’re going to be representing their countries, their territories, for the first time and we believe that the Commonwealth Games is where champions are made.”
Swimming and athletics are now the only two compulsory sports in the Commonwealth program, designed to give potential hosts more flexibility.
But Rukare is confident that the future of the event is looking up.
The Indian city of Ahmedabad has already been confirmed as host for the centenary games in 2030, with strong interest