Under the proposed plan, drawn up at last month's Board meeting on March 3 and 4 in London, the Federation will develop into a more global movement, with the concept similar in some ways to the International Olympic Committee's Agenda 2020 reform process. 

It follows an 18-month review and plan, focusing on four key areas spanning "innovative and inspirational Games", "good governance and management", "strong partnerships" and a "valued brand".

One of the most eye-catching aspects of the new plan involve changes to the Commonwealth Games sports programme, with 16 compulsory sports earmarked for the 2022, 2026 and 2030 editions, an increase on the current number of 10.

The proposal, which the CGF believe will add greater certainty for potential hosts, would see a quota of 4,500 athletes established, with 4,000 allocated to the compulsory sports, based upon Commonwealth rankings, athlete results and the protection of places for smaller nations to ensure a diverse Games.

Judo would become a compulsory sport if the strategic plan is voted through ©AFP/Getty Images



"The trajectory is towards Auckland, where we are having our General Assembly, it is really consultation before we put forward some of the final motions," David Grevemberg, who replaced Mike Hooper as CGF chief executive last year, told insidethegames today.

"A lot of what has been outlined on the sports programme will enhance our compulsory sports programme, and have more flexibility and options in our optional sports programme."

Currently, the Games includes 10 core sports - athletics, badminton, men's boxing, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, men's rugby sevens, squash, swimming and weightlifting - with each host selecting up to seven others of their choice.

Under the proposal road cycling, artistic gymnastic, judo, table tennis, triathlon and wrestling would be added, with women's boxing and rugby sevens joining the programme, as the Federation aims to increase diversity.

The Paralympic disciplines of athletics, lawn bowls, swimming and weightlifting remain compulsory, with triathlon new to the list of optional para sports, alongside track cycling, table tennis and wheelchair basketball, which are already optional.

"Commonwealth athletes are at the heart of everything we do," Grevemberg added.

"As they constantly push boundaries, it's our ambition to ensure their performance on the field of play inspires wide and lasting impact in communities, across the nations and territories of the Commonwealth and beyond. 

"Building on our core values - humanity, equality, destiny - and galvanised and inspired by the support and commitment of our athletes, members and partners, we are primed for action, and look forward to sharing our plans with our membership over the coming months."

Consultation with CGF members is set to take place over coming months before the full proposal is voted on at the CGF General Assembly in Auckland in September, unlike with Agenda 2020 where each recommendation was voted on individually.

Women's boxing would become compulsory after making its debut at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games ©AFP/Getty Images



In addition to changes to the sports programme, the Commonwealth Sporting Movement would attempt to develop initiatives, create stronger ties with Commonwealth stakeholders, develop commercial partnerships and establish an Ambassador programme.

"The strategic plan recognises the rapidly-changing landscape of international sport as we continue to develop the world-class sporting stage that is the Commonwealth Games," said Prince Imran, who will be standing against Scotland's Louise Martin for re-election at the General Assembly.

"More importantly, however, it presents a bold new vision for the Commonwealth Sports Movement, celebrating and connecting the athletes, citizens and communities of the Commonwealth.

"Now is the time to be ambitious and bold, as we build on our diverse heritage and forward momentum."