2025 has marked several important milestones that have helped build strong foundations for the next phase of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, as we move towards our centenary and beyond.  
 
A new identity for a new era  
 
This included our transition from the Commonwealth Games Federation to Commonwealth Sport, a name that better reflects who we are today and what we stand for. Announced on Commonwealth Day, this new identity celebrates the values we share across our 74 nations and territories - humanity, equality and destiny.  

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It signals a more inclusive, outward-looking organisation, one that represents not only the Games themselves, but the wider sporting, cultural and social impact of our Movement. This evolution reinforces our commitment to a refreshed, relevant and future-facing Commonwealth Sport Movement. And following a vote at last month’s General Assembly we are now retiring the term ‘Commonwealth Games Federation’ and our official, public and legal name is now Commonwealth Sport. 
 
The King’s Baton Relay: Connecting the Commonwealth 
 
Also on Commonwealth Day, we launched the King’s Baton Relay, one of our Movement’s most cherished traditions. Since March, the Baton has completed three inspiring continental legs, travelling across the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, where it has been welcomed with pride, creativity and the powerful sense of unity that defines our Commonwealth family. 
 
I would like to thank the Commonwealth Games Associations, whose creativity and commitment have brought the Relay to life so brilliantly, ensuring it resonates far beyond host cities and into local communities. 

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Through our partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Relay has also supported the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, helping to shine a light on ocean conservation and innovative solutions to plastic waste. 
 
The Relay continues to embody the spirit of connection and shared humanity at the heart of the Games Reset. As it journeys toward Glasgow next summer, it is once again reminding communities across the Commonwealth that the Games belong to all of us. We look forward to many more memorable moments as the Baton completes its journey to Scotland. 

Youth Games and Glasgow 2026 Planning 
 
In July, we proudly confirmed Malta as the host of the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games, our inspiring celebration of youth, sport and international friendship. Malta’s preparations already reflect the spirit of innovation and partnership central to our reimagined approach. 
 
In August, my visit to Glasgow for the Coordination Commission reaffirmed the extraordinary progress of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company. Planning has moved on apace and, with just over six months to go, the city is poised to deliver a brilliant celebration of world-class sport, community engagement and cultural vibrancy.  

Glasgow 2026 will be the first major expression of the Games Reset in action, leaner, more flexible, more collaborative and a powerful demonstration of what the future Commonwealth Games can be. 
 
Coming together in Glasgow 
 
A defining moment of 2025 was undoubtedly our time together at the General Assembly in Glasgow in November. 
 
This year’s Assembly also marked the culmination of our new collaborative host bidding process, introduced as part of the Games Reset and employed for the first time. This co-creation approach, focused on partnership, transparency and long-term sustainability, began with seven expressions of interest, including five for 2030 and two for 2034. Through constructive engagement and shared ambition, it culminated in members appointing Amdavad, India, as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

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This outcome is a clear demonstration of the Games Reset in action. A more inclusive, collaborative way of shaping our future, driven by long-term vision rather than short-term cycles. The early interest shown for 2034 reinforces the renewed confidence and sense of possibility now taking root across our Movement. 
 
It was also during the General Assembly that I was deeply honoured to be elected as President of Commonwealth Sport. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and remain committed to leading with openness, integrity and a genuine spirit of partnership anchored in an Athlete-centred approach. 
 
Strengthening Global partnerships  
 
Our engagement with the wider sporting community this year was driven by a comprehensive Sport Programme Review, one of the most significant consultations we’ve conducted in recent years. I would like to sincerely thank our member Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs), International Federations, Athletes, commercial partners, broadcast experts, future hosts and internal governance groups for the time, insight and constructive input they provided. This engagement has been invaluable in helping us shape a sport programme framework that is sustainable, balanced and fit for the future, and that reflects the diversity, excellence and values of the Commonwealth.  

President of the International Olympic Committee, Ms Kirsty Coventry and Commonwealth Sport President, Dr Donald Rukare

At the IF Forum in Lausanne in October we continued to strengthen our relationships with our International Federation partners and joined some thought-provoking discussions around how the world and, therefore, sport is changing at pace. I am confident that we are making the necessary changes to evolve effectively, but we must continue to be prepared to make tough decisions for the long-term health of our Movement.  I was also able to visit the President of the International Olympic Committee, Ms Kirsty Coventry and we look forward to the continued collaborate with the IOC. 
  
I also attended the Doha 2025 Forum in Doha. The Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, that brings together leaders in policy to discuss critical challenges facing our world, and to build innovative and action-driven networks. Under the banner ‘Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity’, The2025 Forum promoted the interchange of ideas and discourse towards policy making and action-oriented recommendations. I was part of a roundtable focusing on human rights and sports. The discussion was held under the theme of, ‘A level playing field: Advancing Human Rights Across the World of Sports.’ In my presentation I highlighted how Commonwealth Sport is integrating human rights through our strategic plan, hosting guidelines, appointment and recruitment practice, the indigenous people’s declaration, our inclusive Para programme, and our work on historical injustices. 

CS attending the IF Forum: From L-R: CS President Dr Donald Rukare, Sport Manager Ben Pipes, World Squash Chief Executive Officer Mr William Louis-Marie, CS Director of Sport Ann-Louise Morgan and World Squash President Ms Zena Woolridge.

And earlier this month, I was proud to represent Commonwealth Sport at the 5th Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sports in Burundi, where discussions reinforced the vital role of sport, culture and youth development in advancing dignity, opportunity and social progress, principles that sit at the heart of our development work across the Commonwealth. 
 
Another of the defining features of 2025 has been the step change in how we support and strengthen our CGAs, driven by increased capacity and a renewed focus on CGA relations and development. 
 
In preparation for Glasgow 2026, more than 80% of the Team Preparation Grants, have already been distributed, providing direct support to Athletes and teams. Over half of all CGAs have engaged with the eqUIP programme, with 35 interns currently embedded through to the 2026 Games, helping to build sustainable capability across the Movement. 
 
This year also saw the graduation of our second cohort of 16 Women Leaders, the delivery of eight GAPS camps across the Commonwealth, and the launch of a new athlete fund, made possible through the generosity of Matt Levy, to directly support GAPS Para athletes. Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and long-term impact.

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Our Development Team is now working on the ground in South Africa, Australia, Barbados, New Zealand, Botswana and the UK, supported by three new NextGen eqUIP Officers based in Kenya, Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago. This strengthened regional presence is already making a tangible difference, enabling more tailored, hands-on support for CGAs. 
 
Looking ahead to a defining 2026 
 
As we look toward 2026, we enter one of the most significant years in recent memory. 

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the first full-scale expression of the Games Reset, a Games model that is more flexible, more efficient, more athlete-centred and more sustainable. We will continue to support the Organising Company as planning shifts into final delivery, working alongside CGAs, International Federations and partners to ensure a truly memorable and future-facing Games. 

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Preparations will accelerate for Malta 2027, while collaborative planning with Amdavad will begin to shape a transformative Centenary Games in 2030. With strong interest already emerging for the 2034 Games, our future pipeline is more secure and promising than it has been in many years. 
    
Above all, 2026 offers us an extraordinary opportunity, to build on this year’s renewed energy, deepen the partnerships forged through the Games Reset and continue demonstrating the unifying power of the Commonwealth through sport. 
 
The future of the Commonwealth Sport Movement is looking as strong, vibrant and ambitious as ever. 
 
Thank you to our global fans, and all our stakeholders for your dedication, partnership and unwavering commitment throughout 2025. None of which would have been possible without your constant support. 
 
I wish you and your families a peaceful festive season and a successful start to the new calendar year. 
 
 
Dr Donald Rukare 
President, Commonwealth Sport