The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada when they were known as the British Empire Games.

The Games take place every four years in a different Commonwealth country. Since the early days the Games have changed and enlarged. In 1978 this world class sporting event became the Commonwealth Games as it is known today.

XIX Commonwealth Games, 2010, Delhi, India

71 nations, 4,352 athletes participating in 17 sports

Officially opened by the Prince of Wales and the President of India, Pratibha Patil

XVIII Commonwealth Games, 2006, Melbourne, Australia

71 nations, 4,049 athletes participating in 16 sports

Officially opened by The Queen; Officially closed by the Earl of Wessex

XVII Commonwealth Games, 2002, Manchester, England

72 nations, 3,679 athletes participating in 17 sports

Officially opened by The Queen

XVI Commonwealth Games, 1998, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

70 nations, 3,633 athletes participating in 15 sports

Officially opened by the King of Malaysia; Officially closed by The Queen

XV Commonwealth Games, 1994, Victoria, Canada

63 nations, 2,557 athletes participating in 10 sports

Officially opened by The Queen

XIV Commonwealth Games, 1990, Auckland, New Zealand

55 nations, 2,073 athletes participating in 10 sports

Officially opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex; Officially closed by The Queen

XIII Commonwealth Games, 1986, Edinburgh, Scotland

26 nations, 1,662 athletes participating in 10 sports

Officially opened by The Queen

XII Commonwealth Games, 1982, Brisbane, Australia

46 nations, 1,583 athletes participating in 10 sports

Officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh

XI Commonwealth Games, 1978, Edmonton, Canada

46 nations, 1,474 athletes participating in 10 sports

Officially opened by The Queen