Date: 12-18 OCTOBER
Host: India
Countries: 71
Events: 117
Athletes: 1220
The III Commonwealth Youth Games unfolded in the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Pune was the proud host of an event seen as a run-up and a trial event to the Commonwealth Games 2010 to be held in Delhi.
Pune was renowned for hosting several world-class events, including India’s oldest Marathon. World-class sports facilities, modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity by multiple means of transport, and a rich cultural heritage coupled with a salubrious climate, indeed vouched for Pune’s candidature as the host city for the III Commonwealth Youth Games.
It was the first time that a Commonwealth Youth Games was held in Asia.
I rate my Pune 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games medal highest because that's when I was born. That's when I raised the bar for myself. My first appearance and being able to win in a big manner.
Over 1,200 athletes and 350 officials from 71 countries participated in nine sports including : Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. The Commonwealth Youth Games were seen as an extremely significant event for India as they formed the backbone of its quest for maximum Medals in the Delhi 2010 Games.
The most unique feature of the games was their venue, Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. It was the first time that the competition venues of all disciplines and the athletes’ village were housed in a single sports complex. It was located on 153 acres of land, on the outskirts of Pune.
