1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games

Every four years various nations of the Commonwealth come together to participate in the Commonwealth Games. This multi-sports event is attended by nearly 71 nations of the Commonwealth. The first Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. They were attended by 11 countries with 400 athletes and included 6 sports and 59 events. The 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games were held at Vancouver, Canada.

The Games were known as British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950, British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974 and from 1978 onwards it has been known as the Commonwealth Games.

Mr. Bill Parnell, the captain of the Canadian team took the athlete's oath. This reflected for the first time the involvement of Commonwealth nations outside the British Empire.

It featured technical innovation, outstanding entertainment, cultural events and memorable sporting moments. Sub-four minute races by gold medalist, Roger Bannister of England and silver medalist John Landy of Australia were telecasted live for the first time worldwide.

As many as 24 nations participated in the 1954 Commonwealth Games with participation by 662 athletes and 127 officials. The 9 sport events included in the Games were lawn bowls, swimming and diving, boxing, cycling, weightlifting, rowing, wrestling and athletics.

At this Fifth Commonwealth Games, England won 67 medals, Australia won 48 medals, Canada bagged 43 medals, New Zealand got 19, South Africa won 35, Scotland -13 and Zimbabwe won 12. Other countries include Nigeria and Wales with 7 medals, Pakistan won 6, Trinidad and Tobago won 4, Northern Ireland won 3. Countries like Barbados, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Uganda and Zambia won 1 medal each.

Last Updated on : 4 October 2010