About this stamp
The Commonwealth Games is a prestigious multinational, multi-sport event held every four years, bringing together elite athletes from across the Commonwealth of Nations. The Games are governed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which oversees their direction and control.
Historical Evolution
The first edition of the Games, then known as the British Empire Games, was held in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over time, the name evolved to reflect the changing identity of the Commonwealth:
- 1930 – British Empire Games
- 1954 – British Empire and Commonwealth Games
- 1970 – British Commonwealth Games
- 1974 – Commonwealth Games
Alongside many Olympic disciplines, the Games feature sports particularly popular in Commonwealth countries, such as lawn bowls, rugby sevens, and netball.
Participation and Representation
Currently, 53 member nations form the Commonwealth of Nations, with 71 teams participating in the Games. Unique among global sporting events, the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—compete separately. Additionally, teams from British Crown dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man), British Overseas Territories, Norfolk Island, and the self-governing states of the Cook Islands and Niue also participate independently.
Only six teams have competed in every edition of the Games:
- Australia
- Canada
- England
- New Zealand
- Scotland
- Wales
Australia has topped the medal tally ten times, England seven times, and Canada once.
Inclusion of Women and Youth
At the inaugural 1930 Games, women competed only in swimming and diving. By 1934, women’s athletics events were also included, marking progressive expansion in participation.
A distinctive initiative was the introduction of the Commonwealth Youth Games for athletes aged 18 years and under. The first Youth Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2000, followed by Bendigo, Australia (2004), and Pune, India (2008), encouraging young sporting talent across the Commonwealth.
Mascots of the Commonwealth Games
Mascots, first introduced in 1978, have become integral to the identity, promotion, and commercial success of the Games.
Notable Mascots
- 1978 – Edmonton: Keyano, a Swan Hills Grizzly Bear (Cree word meaning unity and brotherhood)
- 1982 – Brisbane: Matilda, the Kangaroo
- 1986 – Edinburgh: Mac, a black Scottie dog
- 1990 – Auckland: Goldie, the Kiwi bird
- 1994 – Victoria: Klee Wyck, an Orca (Killer Whale)
- 1998 – Kuala Lumpur: Wira, the Orangutan
- 2002 – Manchester: Kit, a Cat
- 2006 – Melbourne: Karak, a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
- 2010 – Delhi: Shera, the friendly tiger
Shera – Mascot of Delhi 2010
The mascot for the 19th Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010 was Shera, the friendly tiger. The tiger, being India’s national animal, symbolized strength, courage, and pride. Shera was introduced as the elder brother of “Jigrr,” the mascot of the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games held in Pune.
As Jigrr ceremonially handed over the baton to Shera, the run-up to Delhi 2010 began with enthusiasm and joy. Shera welcomed athletes and visitors to Delhi with warmth and the spirit of Indian hospitality, reflecting the timeless Indian ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava”—the guest is like God.
Commemorative Issue
To mark this vibrant sporting celebration, a Souvenir Sheet consisting of one commemorative postage stamp was issued on the Mascot of the 19th Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, celebrating unity, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth.
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