Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially rebranded as Commonwealth Sport under ‘More in Common’ campaign. The announcement was made on Commonwealth Day (March 10, 2025), marking a shift from a Sports Federation to a broader Sports Movement.
Highlights of Rebranding
Objective: To transition from a governing body to a global sports movement.
New Brand Identity:
- The name Commonwealth Sport represents unity, purpose, and inclusivity.
- The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will continue as the legal entity.
Significance of Rebranding
- Enhances the global visibility of the Commonwealth Sport Movement.
- Strengthens the inclusivity and diversity of the Commonwealth Games.
- Encourages broader participation and engagement in sports beyond the Games.
New Logo Features
- The Commonwealth Sport logo includes a celebration mark symbolizing diversity.
- The three ‘V’ shapes in different colors stand for Humanity, Equality, and Destiny.
- The six rising points represent the six Commonwealth regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and Oceania.
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games & King’s Baton Relay
First Commonwealth Games to incorporate the new Commonwealth Sport logo in its event branding.
King’s Baton Relay Launch:
- Started at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025 (500 days before the Games).
- King Charles III placed a sealed message inside the baton, to be revealed at the opening ceremony of Glasgow 2026.
- Sir Chris Hoy (champion cyclist) was the first baton bearer.
Longest-ever Relay:
- The baton will travel across 74 nations and territories, each having up to six days to organize their events.
About Commonwealth
Voluntary Association:
- A group of 56 nations, mostly former British colonies, collaborating on democracy, trade, and climate change.
Historical Evolution:
- 1926 Imperial Conference: Established the British Commonwealth of Nations, where dominions remained equal but owed allegiance to the British monarch.
- 1947 (India’s Independence): India wanted to be a republic while remaining a Commonwealth member.
- 1949 London Declaration: Allowed republics to stay in the Commonwealth, forming the Modern Commonwealth of Nations with 8 initial members (including India).
Governance:
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) occurs every two years to discuss global issues.
- The latest CHOGM was held in Rwanda (2022).
India’s Role in Commonwealth
Largest Member: India accounts for nearly 60% of the Commonwealth’s population.
Financial Contributions: Fourth-largest contributor to Commonwealth initiatives, including:
- Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC)
- Commonwealth Foundation (CF)
- Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP)
- Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
Major Commonwealth Events Hosted by India:
- CHOGM Summit: 1983 (New Delhi)
- Commonwealth Games: 2010 (New Delhi)
Development Initiatives:
- India-UN Commonwealth Sub Window (US$ 50 million over 5 years) was launched in 2018 to fund projects on SDG implementation and climate action for Commonwealth nations.