The figure for the Games in Australia in April was confirmed by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association (IOMCGA).

"This is a number set by the Commonwealth Games Federation which oversees the running of the Games," an IOMCGA statement said. 

"The increasing cost of running international multi-sport events, to the host cities, has forced organisers to limit the number of participants and to ensure the status of the event is maintained. 

"The 32-athlete limit imposed on Team Isle of Man is based on a number of factors, including how many athletes the association has taken to previous Games."

The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey are likely to have a similar number of competitors.

The IOMCGA is currently working closely with nine sports governing bodies on the island.

"The criteria for qualification has been set high as only the top-level athletes are able to represent the Isle of Man at the Games next year," said CGA President Basil Bielich.

"With so many hopefuls achieving these standards it's clear that the island's sporting community has lots to be proud of. 

"The selection process for Team Isle of Man's 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes is highlighting the outstanding level of talent the island has."

Bielich added that the Isle of Man would "love" to be able to send a larger group but 32 is all that is allowed.

"It's exciting to see so many talented athletes on our island meeting the very high qualification requirements and it's going to be really hard to select the top 32," said Bielich.

"We know there will be many athletes who have strived to meet the qualification criteria but who will not be in the top 32 and selected to go to Australia. 

"The IOMCGA will share their frustration and disappointment. 

"Our Committee has been working closely with the different sports to ensure that every athlete has an equal and fair chance of being selected."

The selection process begins at the end of the month and the identities of the 32 will be announced on January 2.

With a population of just under 85,000, the Isle of Man is a crown dependency in the Irish Sea, located between Great Britain and Ireland.

Local affairs are administered from the capital, Douglas, by the Council of Ministers, but defence and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the British Government. 

The Isle of Man won one medal at Glasgow 2014, a silver for track cyclist Peter Kennaugh in the points race.

Their best performance at the Commonwealth Games was the last time the event was held in Australia, at Melbourne 2006. 

Mark Cavendish won the gold medal in the men's scratch cycling race and shooters Trevor Boyles and Dave Walton a bronze in the men's trap pairs.

Since making their Commonwealth Games debut at Cardiff 1958, the Isle of Man have won a total of 11 medals, three of them gold.