Gold in Common Wealth

DEVON'S two England stars Natalie Melmore and Sam Tolchard were give a royal send off by their Kings clubmates on Wednesday in the countdown to their trip to New Delhi next week in readiness for the Commonwealth Games.

Kings president Pam Dobson mirrored the members' pride in the warmth of her good wishes as these gifted 21-year-olds bid for Games glory in the singles competitions.

National titles won in recent seasons by a number of Kings players is testament to the talent at the club and the trophies won at Worthing and Royal Leamington Spa would be the envy of many.

But in the world of bowls, nothing is as prestigious as Commonwealth gold and the chance to create a little bit of history for the Bay is not beyond Melmore and Tolchard.

Two years ago they were England's sole representatives at the World Junior Cup in Australia and their progress since will see them spearhead England's medal hopes in the much coveted singles berths.

Having already tasted success and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Junior Games in Australia, Tolchard will look for nothing less than the gold this time.

Melmore's stock also continues to rise and the former British junior champion flies out to India as the reigning Bowls England senior ladies' singles champion.

Nothing is beyond these two players in the rarefied air that is found at the highest level of international sport and local bowls enthusiasts and Kings in particular wish them well.

"We are all so proud of them," said Dobson," as she handed over a generous donation from the club towards 'pocket money' for the trip to India.

What is Knock - out

In the 80-year history of the Commonwealth Games, boxing has reigned as one of the most popular disciplines. It is part of a handful of events that has appeared in every edition of the CWG.

In the inaugural Commonwealth Games in 1930, the sport began with just five nations participating in it. However, in 2006 Melbourne the number of nations rose to 46.

Traditionally, England have dominated this discipline with a record medal haul of 106 medals, including 47 golds — almost twice as many as Canada, in second place, with 24.

In the last edition of the Games, England boxers topped the medal tally and finished runners-up to Australia in 2002, despite accumulating the most medals overall.

Indian pugilists made their first CWG appearance 1958 in the lightweight and middleweight categories. They had to wait for 12 more years for their first medal in the ring, with Shivaji Bhosle claiming bronze in the welterweight division.

Mohammad Ali Qamar was the first Indian pugilist to win a gold at the 2002 Manchester Games in the light flyweight division. Akhil Kumar emulated his feat in the 2006 edition, bringing back gold in the bantamweight category.

“It was an amazing feeling to claim gold in the final. It was especially special since I was trailing 4-5 after the opening round and come back and win the title was amazing,” Qamar said.

Apart from Akhil, Harpreet Singh (silver, 91 kg), Vijender Singh (silver, 75 kg), Jitender Kumar (bronze, 51 kg) and Varghese Johnson (bronze, 91+ kg) also won medals for India in 2006. The hosts are now out to double their haul at the October 3-14 Games.

Vijender, who is the World No. 1 middleweight boxer, is upbeat about the event. “It’s been nearly two years since I won the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. That one medal was probably the turning point of my career, giving me the confidence that I could compete with the best consistently,” he recalls.

“A bronze at the World Championships in Milan strengthened my belief and now just earning a medal won’t do. Anything less than a gold remains a disappointment for me,” he said.

About the preparations, “Our preparation for the CWG and Asian Games has been really thorough. After Beijing, we have been training regularly at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. The squad is like a small family now,” said Vijender.

“With the event taking place in Delhi, Indian boxers will be one of the strongest contenders. When the crowd is chanting, “Ek punch aur, ek punch aur,” it sends your confidence to another level,” he added.

Ringside view

* Winning the gold medal in 2006 Games was not easy. I defeated a South African boxer in the semis, who had been a quarterfinalist at the Athens Olympics. In the final, I was struggling with a bicep injury but still managed to win 22-12.

* I participated in the Athens Olympics as well but only got recognition after winning the CWG gold medal. There was plenty of media coverage and I also won a scholarship from the Sports Authority of India for 2008 Olympic preparation.

* Injuries have been a major concern for me throughout my career. Last year I had hairline fractures on both my wrist. This year I was supposed to take part in the National Championships but injured my left knee.

* If I can manage to stay fit, I can surely defend my

bantamweight title at the Delhi Games.

Akhil Kumar won the bantamweight gold in 2006 Commonwealth Games

This Day in History — September 17, 2010

1995: Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the Lavalas party garner an overwhelming majority of the votes in elections. Aristide, who became Haiti's first democratically elected president in 1991, reiterated his vow to step down on February 7, 1996, when his term as president legally ends.

Other Events

1900: Proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia as the Federal Union of the Six Colonies.

1935: Manuel Quezon is elected first President of the Philippine Commonwealth.

1939: The Soviet Union invades Poland, more than two weeks after Nazi Germany launched its assault.

1949 - Fire destroys Noronic, the largest passenger steamer on Great Lakes, at Toronto pier, in Canada, killing more than 130 people.

1957: Troops led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, Thai Army Commander in Chief, seize control of the Thailand government and ousts Premier Pibul Songgram in a bloodless coup.

1963: Malaysia breaks off diplomatic relations with Indonesia because of what it describes as President Sukarno's increased hostility.

1964: US discloses development of two weapons systems capable of intercepting and destroying armed satellites circling the earth.

1970: Open warfare erupts in Jordan between King Hussein's army and Palestinian guerrillas, precipitating world crisis.

1978: Egypt's President Anwar Sadat and Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin sign an agreement for Middle East peace at Camp David, USA.

1992: Italy joins Britain in pulling out of European exchange rate treaties.

2003: Colombian officials sign a non-extradition pact covering U.S. citizens sought by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands.

2004: Mexico's President Vicente Fox and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sign a free trade agreement to ease Mexico's reliance on the US while encouraging Japan to move factories there.

2007: Opposition candidate Ernest Bai Koroma wins Sierra Leone's presidential run-off and vows to adopt zero tolerance on corruption.

2009: President Barack Obama abruptly cancels a long-planned missile shield for Eastern Europe on Thursday, replacing a Bush-era project that was bitterly opposed by Russia with a plan he contends will better defend against a growing threat of Iranian missiles.

Sushil Kumar Shines

Spurred by Sushil Kumar's world title, Indian wrestlers would look to make amends of the embarrassment they have brought to the nation by the dope flunk of six grapplers and win a rich haul of medals when the sport makes its return in the Commonwealth Games here next month.

Sushil's bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics brought wrestling in the limelight and then Ramesh Kumar added another bronze in last year's World Wrestling Championships in Denmark to maintain the rising profile of the sport.

However, just when it seemed everything was going right for the century-old sport in the country, came the doping controversies just ahead of the Commonwealth Games with four member of the Indian squad - Arjuna awardee Rajeev Tomar (120kg), Sumit (74kg), Mausam Khatri (96kg) and woman wrestler Gursharanpreet Kaur (72kg) returning positive for a banned substance in dope tests conducted by NADA.

Two other wrestlers Rahul Mann (60kg) and Joginder Singh (120kg) who were not part of the Commonwealth Games squad were also tested positive for banned stimulant methylhexanamine.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/commonwealth%20games/sushil-inspired-indian-grapplers-eyeing-bagful-of-medals-53025?cp

History of Common Wealth Games

The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and previously known as the British Commonwealth, is anintergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states. All but two of these countries were formerly part of the British Empire.

The member states co-operate within a framework of common values and goals as outlined in the Singapore Declaration.^[1] These include the promotion ofdemocracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, individual liberty, egalitarianism, free trade, multilateralism and world peace.^[2] The Commonwealth is not a political union, but an intergovernmental organisation through which countries with diverse social, political and economic backgrounds are regarded as equal in status.

Its activities are carried out through the permanent Commonwealth Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, and biennial Meetings betweenCommonwealth Heads of Government. The symbol of their free association is the Head of the Commonwealth, which is a ceremonial position currently held by Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth II is also monarch, separately and independently, of sixteen Commonwealth members, which are known as the "Commonwealth realms".

The Commonwealth is a forum for a number of non-governmental organisations, collectively known as the Commonwealth Family, which are fostered through the intergovernmental Commonwealth Foundation. The Commonwealth Games, the Commonwealth's most visible activity,^[3] are a product of one of these organisations. These organisations strengthen the shared culture of the Commonwealth, which extends through common sports,^[4] literary heritage, and political and legal practices. Due to this, Commonwealth countries are not considered to be "foreign" to one another.^[5]

Common Wealth Time Table

Event Date

October 3rd - 14th

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First Organised At

Hamilton in 1930

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Sports Venue

Jawaharlal Nehru University

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Major Attractions

World Class Sports Events

MICE Tourism Music and Dance Shows Health Tourism

Hanging Around in Delhi Delhi Bus Ride Commonwealth Games Schedule

Clean Delhi Green Delhi Shopping Delhi Metro Ride

Pulsating With A Sportsman Spirit

A big event like Commonwealth Games is undoubtedly an event for lifetime. Its for sure that this sports fiesta will be remembered as a remarkable event in the history of India and will definitely add more glitter to India's crown.

Date For Common Wealth Games 2010

Common Wealth Games, 2010 fever in India is at acme and countdown for this amazing bouquet of exquisite sports has already began. It is scheduled to start from October 3rd and continues upto October 14th.

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Commonwealth Games Ticket

The countdown for Commonwealth Games has already began and the games ticket are running short of stock. Prices for the opening ceremony ranges Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000; while for the closing ceremony it will start from Rs 750 to Rs 50, 000. The first lot of ticket sale, commenced on 4th June'10 has already completed. And, the second phase will be commenced on 15th August'10. Around 50 ticket booking centers will be arranged in Delhi and the NCR. There will be five retail outlets in each of the metro cities, including: Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Pune and Hyderabad.

Logo and Slogan of Common Wealth Games 2010

The main source of inspiration for 2010's Common Wealth Games logo is Ashoka Chakra, which stands as the symbol for freedom, unity and power. This logo was revealed at an event held at the India Gate on 6th January, 2008. The logo has spirals at the upward direction which symbolizes the rise of our country as a global power and showcases its evolution from a traditional country to a modern nation. The colors of the logo symbolizes the diverse and vibrant culture of the country and its citizens. Apart from these, other parts of the logo displays India's heartiest welcome to the 71 nations of Commonwealth groups.

“Come Out and play” is the slogan for the Common Wealth Games.

Various Sports Of Common Wealth Games 2010

17 disciplines of sports competition will be organized under the banner of Common Wealth Games, 2010:
Aquatics, Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Net Ball, Shooting, Squash, Rugby 7”s Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Venue For Commonwealth Games

Welcome to Delhi, the pride host of the Common Wealth Games and experience this ancient city like you have never experienced before. To make this sporting event a successful one, Delhi State Government in collaboration with the Central Government is keeping no stone unturned.
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Delhi, the national capital of our country is all set to host it. The rugged and serene landscape of Delhi's prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University has been selected for the colorful opening and closing ceremonies of CWG's. This venue is also selected for Athletic, lawn bowl and weightlifting competitions. Other stadiums and sport complexes which are selected for various sports within the territory of Delhi are as follows.

Dhyan Chand National Stadium	for Hockey
Indira Gandhi Stadium	for Archery, Cycling, Gymanstics and Wrestling
Delhi University Sport Complex	for Rugby
Tyagaraj Sports Complex	for Netball
Siri Fort Sports Complex	for Badminton and Squash
Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range	for shooting
Talkatora Stadium	for boxing
SPM Swimming Pool Complex	for Aquatics
RK Khanna Tennis Complex	for Tennis and
Yamuna Sports Complex	for Table Tennis

Participating Nations for Commonwealth Games

There are currently 85 nations planning to participate in the Commonwealth Games of 2010. In alphabetical order, these nations are:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cook Island, Cyprus, Dominica, England, Eritrea, Falkland, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, India, Israel, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Ireland, Palestine, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rodrigues, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Scotland, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda,Vanuatu, Wales, Yemen, Zambia.

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Commonwealth Games Schedule

The upcoming Common wealth Games will be a landmark event in the sports calendar of India. Only a few days are left, when athletes from different corners of the world will present their breath-taking skills. The commonwealth Games Schedule includes an array of sporting events, ranging from Aquatics, Archery, Badminton, Gymnastics, Boxing, Cycling, Hockey, Weightlifting, Wrestling and lot more. Check out the concise list of common wealth games scheduled according to the respective dates and venues.

Sporting Events According to Commonwealth Games Schedule

Opening Ceremony	3rd October	J N Stadium
Aquatics	4th October to 13th October	SPM Swimming & Pool Complex
Archery	4th October to 10th October	Yamuna Sports Complex/India Gate
Athletics	6th October to 13th October	Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Badminton	4th October to 13th October	Siri Fort Sports Complex
Boxing	4th October to 10th October & 12th October	Talkatora Indoor Stadium
Cycling:	4th October to 7th October, 9th October & 13th October	I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex
Gymnastics	4th October to 6th October, 8th October, 9th October, 11th October to 13th October	I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex
Hockey	4th October to 13th October	Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Lawn Bowls	4th October to 12th October	Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Netball	4th October to 13th October	Tyagaraj Sports Complex
Rugby 7s	11th October & 12th October	Delhi University
Shooting	5th October to 13th October	Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range
Squash	4th October to 13th October	Siri Fort Sports Complex
Table Tennis	4th October to 13th October	Yamuna Sports Complex
Tennis	4th October to 10th October	R K Tennis Complex
Weightlifting	4th October to 12th October	Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Wrestling	5th October to 8th October	I. G. Indoor Stadium Complex
Closing Ceremony	14th October	J N Stadium

Games Village For Commonwealth Games

To provide housing facility to the 8,500 participating athletes and officials of these afore mentioned nations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has constructed a new and modern Games village. This built near the famousAkshardham temple along the east bank of the Yamuna river and stretches over an area of 63.5 hectare. A hefty amount of USD 230.7 million has been spent by the Delhi Government in its construction.

Impact On Indian Tourism Industry

Common Wealth Games, 2010 is assumed to have a great impact over the Indian tourism industry. As this mega event will attract thousands of sport lovers to India, all key stakeholders of tourism sectors are geared up for CWG.
It is assumed that around 2 million foreign tourists and 3.5 million tourists from different parts of India are likely to arrive in Delhi for Common Wealth Games 2010. So, various states of our country are planning their best to utilize this wonderful event in their favor.

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Destinations Geared - up for CWG

To enhance the enjoyment level of vacationers who are planning to visit India for CWG, 2010, Some of the celebrated Indian states such as Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal etc are bedecked with new attires.

Delhi

Delhi, the pride venue for Common Wealth Games, 2010 is all set to woo and provide visual retreats to the spectators of the CWG. State Government has taken several significant initiatives for the improvisation and beautification of this newly emerged cosmopolitan city. So, that Delhi rent a part of its heart to millions of tourists who are planning to come over this city during the CWGs. Famed as a melting pot of rich culture and contemporary entertainment, Delhi is dotted with numerous historic monuments of bygone era as well as modern world. Delhi tourism board has renovated most of the architectural masterpieces created by Mughal and Britishers to mesmerize the onlookers. Some such architectural treasures of the city are Red fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Old Fort etc. Along with renovation, Delhi government has also constructed some fabulous amusement parks and entertainment zones.

Beside Delhi, other part of National Capital Region (NCR) which will also beckon large number of holidaymakers are Agra and Jaipur. These two places are very significant on Indian tourist map due to the famous World Heritage Site Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and forts and palaces of Jaipur.

Transportation Facility For CWG

Apart from renovation projects, Delhi government has also taken care of transportation facility within the city. Pubic transport facilities have been improved by introducing DTC buses and AC Metro feeder buses. Local transportation has added 5000 new cabs to travel all around the city.

Even Indian Railway has also declared to be the lead partner for CWG, 2010. It would also launch a special train, the Commonwealth Express which will have an exhibition and travel all over India to promote the Games as well as the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth.

Commonwealth Games Hotels

With each passing day, the mega sports event is coming closer. Along with providing commonwealth games ticket, Delhi is all set to provide best accommodation at budget tariff. Sources confirmed that, around 5,500 commonwealth games hotels are offering discounted tariffs by 25-30 %. However, of the 15,000 rooms available with Games Travel Office, about 2,000 have been reserved. Though booking games hotels are at slow pace now, Travel & Tourism industries are excepting more in coming days.

Ashok Hotel Le Meridian

The Oberoi Hotel Taj Palace Hotel

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Accommodation facility for CWG

It is expected that 22-27 hotels with 300–500 rooms will be constructed within or nearby to Delhi. The number of hotels might increase if serviced apartments and mixed-used developments are taken into consideration. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has auctioned many hotel sites in the capital during the past few months to meet up such high tourist influx, during the CWG.

Hotel majors including the Oberoi Group, Taj Group, and the Leela Group are all gearing up to participate in the upcoming developments. While the Oberoi Group has plans to set up two hotels in Delhi and Gurgaon, the Indian Hotel Company has plans to develop three hotels in Delhi and Gurgaon. Likewise, the Leela Group is developing a 319-room, five-star-hotel in Delhi. Unitech, a Delhi-based real estate developer, is also setting up three new hotels, while international hotel major Marriot is setting up hotels in Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon.

Along with Delhi, other states which are likely to draw tourists during CWG, 2010 are Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh etc.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation ( HPTDC) has also created new ambitious business plans to boost their tourism industry. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is giving more emphasis on the hospitality sector. Keeping in view the coming Common Wealth Games 2010, special packages are designed to captivate the attention of the players and the sports lovers. These packages are offered to promote the health tourism and beckon the health loving tourists to experience the serene beauty of this mountainous state.

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Harayana

Another Indian state which has geared up for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2010 is Haryana. The Tourism Ministry of this state has launched a Bed and Breakfast scheme in the National Capital Region (NCR) following the foot prints of Delhi. It has shortlisted some of the houses and guest houses having better infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the guests. This will help to generate revenue for the department. Also the Haryana government has completed construction of 7,000 rooms for the Commonwealth Games. These are built in the area of NCR. Remaining 3000 rooms will be completed by the end of 2009.

Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal is another state which is getting ready to attract such large number of tourists. It has various exotic locations to mesmerize the visitors. Ananda Spa resort which is a renown world wide as the Ayurvediac and spa centre is also situated in the lap of this mountainous state . It is a nice option to rejuvenate owns mind, body and soul.

Common Wealth Preparations,

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - When the head of next month's Commonwealth Games in India says that all the venues are complete, the constant noise of banging hammers and whirring drills that threatens to drown him out suggests otherwise.

CONTINUE READING

Australia frets over Commonwealth Games gear stranded at sea

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia has expressed concerns to India about a container of equipment for the Delhi Commonwealth Games that is waiting to be unloaded at Mumbai, local media reported on Friday.

17 Sep 2010

Napoleon bids to conquer Commonwealth Games after ban back-dated

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Ryan Napoleon has been re-instated in the Australian swimming team for the Commonwealth Games after sport's top tribunal back-dated his three-month ban for a doping offence.

15 Sep 2010

NZ could pull out of Delhi Games over security concerns

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand were committed to competing at next month's Delhi Commonwealth Games but would have no hesitation pulling out if any security concerns were raised, team management said on Monday.

13 Sep 2010

Forget dengue, enjoy India, says Sports Minister

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Athletes should not let the outbreak of dengue fever or security concerns ruin their experience at next month's Commonwealth Games, Indian Sports Minister Manohar Singh Gill said on Thursday.

09 Sep 2010

Rudisha's Commonwealth pull-out defended by Kenya

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyan athletics chiefs have defended world 800 metres record holder David Rudisha's decision to pull out of next month's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

09 Sep 2010

Weightlifter Chanu fails dope test, faces life ban

MUMBAI (Reuters) – India’s weightlifter Sanamacha Chanu has failed a dope test for a second time and could be banned for life, a top official said on Wednesday.

08 Sep 2010

Dengue fever outbreak adds to Delhi fears

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An outbreak of dengue fever threatens to add to the headaches of Commonwealth Games officials already struggling with deadlines and a major clean-up of Delhi.

07 Sep 2010

Three Indian swimmers test positive

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Three Indian swimmers, including two from the country's Commonwealth Games squad, were provisionally suspended on Sunday for failing dope tests.

05 Sep 2010

Senior official wants vuvuzela ban in Delhi

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A senior Delhi Commonwealth Games organiser on Tuesday criticised a decision to allow plastic vuvuzela horns during the October event.

07 Sep 2010

Weight Lifting Game

Welcome

The Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation (CWF) was established 63 years ago in 1947. It is one of the oldest sporting federations of the Commonwealth and is unique in that it encompasses Commonwealth nations from the five continents and recognised by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). 

The CWF is focussed on enhancing its inclusive sporting environment in order to maintain its position as one of the leading and most progressive sporting organisations within the Commonwealth. 

Having been included to the sports program of the Commonwealth Games in 1950, weightlifting has enjoyed a long and rich history within the movement. As a core sport of the Commonwealth Games since ‘Melbourne 2006’, our sport has produced countless champions, many of whom also achieved athletic success at the World Championships and Olympic Games. 

As time has gone by, the technological age has brought the Commonwealth members of the five continents even closer together. Now with the support of ZKC (Zhangkong Barbell), the professional assistance of Miles Wydall and the support of the IWF, we now have an official website which will keep you updated with the latest information from the Commonwealth countries within this vast region of ours. 

The CWF secretariat is located in Noumea, New Caledonia together with the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.