In a fashion that bears much resemblance with the Agenda 2020 reform process currently ongoing in the Olympic Movement, the process will continue over the next 12 months before reaching a conclusion at the 2015 General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), to be held in Auckland next September. 

Speaking following the conclusion of this year's event, held on the sidelines of Glasgow 2014 here over the last two days, CGF President Prince Imran explained that the members had already seen a report from the Sport Committee analysing potential changes. 

"This includes the possibility of introducing sport specific quotas," the Malaysian revealed.

"Our members also recognised the need that our sports programme continues to evolve and, as such, as part of this review that would culminate at the General Assembly in Auckland next year, we will consider the possibility of new disciplines and events."

Olympic disciplines currently mix with Commonwealth specific ones, such as lawn bowls, on a partly flexible basis ©Getty Images



Unlike the Olympics, which currently has a fixed programme of sports, the CGF adopts a more flexible approach in which 10 core sports - athletics, badminton, men's boxing, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, men's rugby sevens, squash, swimming and weightlifting - are complimented by up to an additional seven from a large pool of other options. 

These additional sports are chosen at the discretion of the host city.

So, in Glasgow, diving, cycling, gymnastics, judo, shooting, table tennis, triathlon and wrestling are among those that have been selected, while the likes of archery, canoeing, tennis and beach volleyball have not been.

Four core Paralympic sports must also be included on the programme, with an option to include up to three others, but not more than 20 overall events. 

But there has been criticism of elements of this system in recent times, particularly from sports which have not made the cut, with London 2012 Olympic tennis singles champion Andy Murray expressing his disappointment he was unable to compete on home turf in Glasgow. 

Andy Murray has expressed disappointment that he was unable to compete at a home Games because tennis was not included on the programme ©AFP/Getty Images



When elaborating upon the revision process, CGF chief executive Mike Hooper said a "key thing identified through the report we are undertaking was the need to ensure the Games Movement and programme continues to evolve to ensure we remain relevant to today's Commonwealth".

He admitted that making sure they do not overdo the scale of the Games is important, as well as ensuring the programme remains attractive to future bid cities, and looking at the quality and discipline of each sport.

But equally as crucial is making sure they do all of this in the context of the Commonwealth community.

This could potentially rule out the consideration of disciplines such as 3x3 basketball and beach soccer, which are growing in popularity in a global sense, but remain less significant in the Commonwealth nations.

"We are looking to develop a system ensuring good participation across our 71 nations and territories," said Hooper.

"It is an exciting time and there will be some interesting debate to come over the next 12 months."

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