Commonwealth Games

Events > Commonwealth Games > Sport > Which Sports?

What Sports are on the Program?

The Commonwealth Games program is determined by the host nation, and the rules for inclusion of certain sports has changed over the years, resulting in a unique program each year. Although there are many official Commonwealth Games sports, the actual sports at each edition of the Games differs as programs must be limited to a maximum of 17 sports.

• See the complete listing for included sports for each year the Games have been held.

• Read a discussion of the changes to the sports that have been included on the Commonwealth Games program.

Core Sports

• Athletics — 1930–present
  
• Badminton — 1966–present
  
• Boxing — 1930–present
  
• Hockey — 1998–present
  
• Lawn Bowls — 1930–present (except 1966)
  
• Netball — 1998–present
  
• Rugby 7s — 1998–present
  
• Squash — 1998–present
  
• Swimming — 1930–present
  
• Weightlifting — 1950–present
  

Optional Sports

• Archery — 1982, 2010
• Basketball — 2006
• Cycling (including track, road, and mountain bike) — 1934–present
  
• Diving — 1930–present
• Gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic) — 1978, 1990–present
• Judo — 1990, 2002, 2014
• Shooting (including clay target, pistol, small bore and air rifle, full bore rifle) — 1966, 1974–present
• Synchronized Swimming — 1986, 2006
• Table Tennis — 2002–present
  
• — 2010
• Triathlon — 2002, 2006, 2014
• Wrestling — 1930–present (except 1990 and 1998)

Recognized Commonwealth Games Sports

Previous Games

• Cricket — 1998
• Fencing — 1950–1970
• Rowing— 1930, 1938–62, 1986
• Tenpin Bowling — 1998
• Waterpolo— 1950
  

Never been on program

• Billiards
• Canoeing
• Golf
• Handball
• Life saving
• Sailing
• Softball
• Volleyball

Related Pages

• See the List of Commonwealth Games sports for each Games.