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I am not a strong advocate of the Commonwealth Games, and yes, I do agree that this game is slowly losing it lustre, but be fair to Malaysia, the crowds have been there from day one, the support has just been incredible and almost everything has been sold out, except some lesser known sports. Yes, there is a economic turmoil in this country ( and the world), but in all fairness, evaluate the games from the feedback, records, showmanship, facilities and not from our GDP growth. Everybody here is having a great fun time (athletes inclusive) and I expect a capacity 100,000 crowd at tomorrow's closing ceremony. If anybody wants the Commonwealth Games to regain it lost status, perhaps BBC and others should do their part and write a article on the fantastic response and world class facilities and treatment of the athletes in Malaysia, instead on constantly harping on non-issues like the earlier poor sales of tickets and late completion of facilities. The challenge to anyone here is 1. try getting yourself a ticket for Kl98 closing games and 2. look at the facilities yourself and tell me honestly you are not impressed at all.
David Chong, Malaysia

The games are very important, especially for smaller sport nations like Namibia.
Christian Trede, Namibia

The Commonwealth Games may well be an anachronism, a throwback to imperialist times, but who cares? They are an opportunity for athletes, all of whom represent countries which have at least a basis in common values, to get together and compete against one another in a less than cutthroat fashion. I do agree that they could be improved, but the basic premise is sound. I believe the smaller crowds are more indicative of the economic and geographical positions of Malaysia as opposed to an indicator of interest. The lack of major athletes in track and field is caused more by scheduling conflicts, the fact that the games are positioned at the end of a very long season and the lack of cash prizes. If it is important to have the big names at a competition, then it may be necessary to put up enough money to attract them away from the IAAF sponsored meets. The Commonwealth may not be as important in the grand scheme of things as it once was, but it and the games are still worth keeping.
Darryl Snyder, Canada

Of course the Commonwealth Games have not "had their day"...except for some ignorant non-Australian countries who know little about them and assume ignorance by them = anachronism of the Games, or non-Australians who are tired of being thrashed and pummelled and who assume that arrogance by them = anachronism of the games. I am a Kiwi who is proud of my sports people but who has watched in awe as they have been beaten mercilessly by the well-trained and enthusiastic teams from the land across the creek. These games have provided a public forum for the Aussie athletes to demonstrate the importance of the Australian Institute of Sport as an example to all nations who want to achieve positive results in sport. They have provided an excellent opportunity for training and improvement for those athletes who take the Games seriously and a less formal and threatening environment for those who don't (unless facing Australia!!!!). They have created a necessary competition between Olympics. They have provided huge opportunities to little countries like Nauru to win THREE gold medals (Wow! I'm envious!) They have shown the magnificence of Malaysia and the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur to many athletes, media and couch potatoes who know little of Asia except that it's in economic crisis, isn't it? Finance and markets have been eclipsed by the skill, organisation, warmth, hospitality and friendship of Malaysians in reality, haven't they? Finally, it is true that the Empire has gone, but the Commonwealth has not. We are a loose federation of diverse countries with a common link, as well as obvious political and economic connections. Not all organisations without the USA as one of their members are useless! The Commonwealth provides an opportunity for a sizeable portion of the non - US world to come together, across cultures and continents to share ideas, to challenge each other, and to remind us of our similarities rather than our differences. The Commonwealth Games are more friendly, and still less expensive games than the Olympics and the World Cup. Let's keep them that way. Congratulations, Australia Fair....but could you just leave a few medals for the rest of us?
C. M. Ryan, New Zealand

Who cares whether the games are 'meaningful' or 'profitable'? The Commonwealth is an organisation unlike any other international organisation. What makes it it so different is that its powerbase, if that is the correct terminology, lies within the lesser continents of Africa, Oceania and Central America, where the majority of its members are. The games are an excuse for the like of Namibia, Fiji, Gambia, Bahamas, etc, to compete with some of the larger and more powerful nations. Long may it continue. Who cares if it is anachronistic? What matters if some of the events are mismatches? Winning is important - but the winners must realise that without the vast majority of competitors who are 'losers' their winning has no sense. Perhaps the UK could leave the EU and re-establish closer trading links with the Commonwealth nations?
Julian Ware-Lane, England

It is my belief that the games should continue in so far as it affords an opportunity for our sportsmen to match skill with those from our brother countries. Somewhat like inter-school sports. It allows those of us not so skilled to be exposed to international competition without the fear of competing with the giants who spend millions in training and thus lose the spirit of fair play. Countries with abundant resources will always produce top class sportspersons. Give us a chance! So keep the Games.
Radcliffe Dookie, Trinidad and Tobago

If the Commonwealth Ggames have had their day so then have the European Athletics Championships as the standard of competition in many of the events at the Commonwealth Games is much better - as seen in the men's 100m. Also with the introduction of team sports such as rugby and cricket it attracts a wider audience and gives some of the lesser known nations in these sports international experience.
Paul Eglen, England

The Commonwealth Games must go on. Although money seems to be a motivator, nevertheless friendship forged among the sportsmen from 70 different countries, will go a long way in ensuring a more peaceful and pleasant world to live in. Happiness cannot be bought with money and the sportsmanship shown by world class sportsman like Kenny Ang can be emulated by the young. As such, CG98 in Kuala Lumpur has shown to the world that Malaysia has come of age. The Opening Ceremony was spectacular and magnificient. So were the other facilities. The weather has been kind and clear all through. What a wonderful time to hold the Games. Let the Games begin and go on. While other parts of the world were in conflict, let the Games be a craddle for love, comradeship and equality. Keep up the good work and let's see more of the Games.
Joseph Ow Yong, RECSAM, Malaysia

I don't believe that the Games have had their day. Australia is the only country which takes the games seriously anymore. That's why the standard of competition is so low at the moment. The other Commonwealth countries particularly England, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada simply need to lift their game and take the games seriously. The standard of competition would then be far better.
Raymond Nolan, Australia

Sadly, these days, the CG are almost akin to that of a distant aunt's birthday party which other relatives feel obliged to attend. Nevertheless, there are intangible benefits from these meetings... at least for the host country and for those attending and participating in the whole event. Like the old colonial buildings that many of these countries strive to preserve, the ties that bind us together play equal or even more importance. Perhaps future Games should not focus on the glamour or crowd-pulling quotient but rather the effectiveness of the meetings. Forget the "bigger is better" concept. What needs to be removed are not the CG themselves. It is the attitude towards this memorable event that should be altered. I understand that financial aspects play an influential role but surely, there is a way to overcome these obstacles that threaten to turn the CG into a deserted circus ring.
Renita Sathasivam, Malaysia

What else would fill the gap inbetween the Olympics and the Athletics world championships? But it is a great way for the countries of the commonwealth to join together in a special friendly yet competitive way!
Gary James, UK

Once upon a time they were called the Empire Games. That was when Britain had an Empire. Then they changed to the Commonwealth Games. Now that the Commonwealth has one leg in the grave it's time to call it a day. If the Royal Family manages to hang on in England, it will be a minor miracle. The Commonwealth is a joke. So are the Games. They're going the same way as vinyl LP records, manual typewriters and transistor radios. Into a museum. Give them a decent burial.
Brendan Marshall, USA

Unlike most of the few remaining venues where the member states of the Commonwealth come together, the Games seem to be remarkably free of the ongoing conflict between developed and less developed members. That said, with the great cost associated with hosting the Games, it might make sense to move the interval between Games to six or eight years and both decrease and reassess the scope of the Games.
Richard Mendell, USA

Costs for Commonwealth Games are increasing rapidly - but the costs of the full international events - Olympics and World Championships - are staggering. Surely there is a place for smaller international competitions to provide sports events, but not waste money on being a small Olympics or a national showcase. The 'full' events now cater for the corporate clients and the wealthy. Isn't there room for a competition for the sports enthusiast?
Matthew Cheshire, Australia

The Games are a worldwide event with all nations having a common background and a common (if not national) language. They are also a more relevant stepping stone for athletes to the Olympic Games than regional games held worldwide.
Jim Price, Australia

But what will happend if Australia goes through with its move to become a Republic? Australia proably won't be in the next Commonwealth Games. What will happen then, when one of the largest teams no longer competes?
Adam Bold, Australia

A chance to meet and compete without the financial pressure - there is little in today's world that caters to the non-financial side of life. Let this symbol of camaraderie and sporting fraternity continue!
Darren Koh, Switzerland

The Commonwealth serves no useful purpose in the late 20th century. Why bother to have Games, therefore?
Andrew Woodgate, England

Could this be a bit of sour grapes as Australian athletes are taking all the medals?
Janet Payne, Australia

This is why Australians call the English "Whinging Poms"- just because they are doing bad at a major sporting event that doesn't mean the Commonwealth Games has lost the appeal to other nations. In Australia it's on for about 20 hours a day and gets great tv ratings. No way on Earth is it dead over here. And it is a great idea to bring in cricket and to see that the world's best cricket nations are from the Commonwealth.
Tony Quinn, Australia

This wonderful, amazing and colourful Kuala Lumpur 98 Commonwealth Games must continue the next millinium. We have a great time in KL especially for Games like rugby, swimming, gymnastics, bowling etc. I hope rugby especially will be included in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Terrific performance by the "All Blacks" from New Zealand.
Pkilmak Oldegadeh, Namibia

The Games are merely part of a growing problem for the idea of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is a remarkable and unique relationship involving some of the world's largest and smallest, richest and poorest, and most geographically, racially and culturally diverse countries. The history that brought about this relationship may well be outdated, even regrettable, but we have an opportunity to make the Commonwealth something new and something better for the 21st century. At present, the Games are perhaps the most visible aspect of the Commonwealth, but more does go on and even more should go on. The Games are important as they represent a strong platform from which to develop, and cannot be discarded simply due to short -term financial difficulties. They may require changes, but the institution itself is well worth holding on to.
Kenny Miller, UK (via the Netherlands)

The Games fill a gap in coverage of lesser sports, and they must survive. Money is key and it is vital that state television maintains extensive coverage (The BBC provides good coverage) and then sponsors would get the airtime they crave. Manchester will provide the crowds I'm sure, but minor sports must be prepared to perform in minor stadiums.
David Maidstone, UK

I think that there has been so much emphasis put on the Olympics, that the Commonwealth Games have suffered as a consequence. There is not the same feel for the Commonwealth Games as in past years. I think people are just fed up of all the hype of the Olympics, they get turned off other sporting events. The sponsors want to aim higher for the so-called "big guns", and so pour money into events that guarantee pay back of their investments. I think they will eventually have to stop the game due to lack of interest and money.
S Finley, Australia

As someone who still believes that we have a nation to be proud of (although the government is a bit dodgy) and due to the amount of travelling I do, I have found the Commonwealth to be much loved still. Does everything nowadays have to always be about making a fast buck usually for people who can well afford it anyway.
Andy Kirk

The Games have run their course. There seems little interest amongst the fans and many athletes.
Allegro Marafon, Canada

The view that the Games have had their day is a typical "large country" view. What you don't appreciate is that these games are also for smaller countries, whose athletes might not make Olympic qualifying times, but have a better chance of competing in the Commonwealth Games. It could well be that the British Monarchy does no longer command respect wordwide, but the "Commonwealth" means something, especially to smaller countries.
Simon Fisher, Singapore

I am becoming sick and tired of the greedy commercialism currently sweeping through sport. The Commonwealth Games show sport as it should be. I really don't care if the commercial sportsmen and women don't attend. Long live the Commonwealth Games.
Elwin Tennant, UK

One of the issues is alledgedly that 'the poorer countries cannot afford to stage the Games because sponsorship and TV income is low'. Many of the sports involved are very cash rich, as are some of the countries. Why not have a (possibly voluntary) Commonwealth Games 'tax' on the sponsorship earnings of atheletes in all competing sports? This could then be used to invest in facilities in the host country for the next games.

Keith Lomax, UK

Attention M. Fitzgerald: When Australia becomes a republic we will still be a member of the Commonwealth and compete in the Commonwealth Games!! As does South Africa now.
Rod C Stewart, NSW, Australia

Sport means a lot more than a fat cheque. I see a time coming when non-Commonwealth sports people will envy CW athletes their right to play in what will remain a last bastion to the ideals of sport. The Olympic Games should rather be questioned, but then again, they have been hijacked by the mighty US and commercialised to death.
W R Bakker, South Africa

As a former British Commonwealth person, I am still interested in the Commonwealth, but I am old school. The problem is like most major sports and/or games where they try to get bigger and bigger, and to be politiically correct and have the games all over - the cost is past on to the spectators, and that's not good. The high-price spoilt 'Hot Shot' competitors do not help. It does not seem as if we'll go back to real amateurs, but that's when it was fun. In a sport like cycling, If you're not a pro forget it. I guess I don't know the answer, I do know we have to stop trying to top the last event, and think of the spectators and the competitors.
Mike Butler, USA

All athletes should want to compete for their country. If they choose not to take part in the Commonwealth games, then why should they be selected for other events, such as the Olympics.
Justin, UK

In these days of over-monied professionalism, the Commonealth Games show that there is a place for minority sports and no name competitors eager to prove themselves.
Adrian Walker, UK

I look forward to watching both the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. In fact I have thought it will be sad when inevitably we become a Republic that our athletes will lose the competition of the "Friendly Games".
M Fitzgerald, Australia

I cannot see that the Games justify the huge sums of money spent to host them. Malaysia has spent billions that it can ill afford, and while it has wonderful facilities what will they be used for after the Games? Also the Games suffer from too many underdogs who really are not at the top level required for most events, thus reducing the excitement of the event. Time to call it a day.
Sally Marriott, Malaysia

The absence of a few world class sportsmen/women does not mean the game had its day. One has to consider other wider aspects that indicates its importance. Had it not been for the game, Malaysia would never get the chance to prove that it can host the game like other developed countries (if not better). Domination by a small number of developed countries that has recently extended to sports has deprived other smaller countries especially developing countries such as Malaysia to prove of their commitments and determination. Thus the becomes the major platform to prove themselves. These factors are more important than the presence of those few names in sports.
Umar Bin Man

The Games are too poorly contested, it is embarrassing for me as an Australian to see us win gold after gold against such poor opposition as found in the Games. All the top sporting countries apart from Australia do not belong to the Commonwealth so from a purely sporting angle the Games are irrelevant as a competition. One only has to look at the 100 odd gold medals Australia gets every Commonwealth Games and then compare it to the nine Olympic golds they get to see the difference in class between the competitions.
Mariusz Kowalski, Australia

For an American to say that the Commonwealth Games have had their day because he has never heard of them adds much weight to the argument for retention. It is ironic however, that an English site would be running such a poll, in light of England's performance at the Games. I can assure you that no one in Australia wants to see the games go.
Michael Saadat, Australia

The Games exist just so that the English can pretend that they still have an empire. They have never got over the fact that they just aren't important anymore.
Simon Townsend, Australia

As an Englishman living in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, I would challenge the statement that the attendance has been disappointing. Last night I went to the National Sports Complex at 6 pm and there were sold out notices for last night's Hockey, Squash, Netball, Swimming, Rugby and 10-pin bowling. Without question, at all the events that I have attended have been both very friendly and enjoyable, (and well attended) and seem to hark back to a bygone era, before satellite TV's money changed the competitors' attitude to becoming money driven, rather than competing for the sake of one's sport and country. The government of Malaysia has constructed world class facilities, at a time of significant economic hardship for the region, and is to be congratulated for its efforts. Rather than proposing that the games should be abandoned, I propose that we should try to return to some of the values of sportsmanship, and a love of sport, that are now so lacking in the Olympics, World Cup and similar sporting spectacles, where prize money and sponsorship seems to be the only criteria for participation.
Ian Davies, Malaysia & England

No, I think they serve a worthwhile purpose in that they serve to bring together the Commonwealth nations and people. I think it's going down the tubes, though, especially with the introduction of cricket! I mean, they must be joking!
Ray Marsh, Australia

Is it because the participants of Great Britain have become the 'whipping boys (and girls)' that all of a sudden the Commonwealth Games 'have had their day' ? Maybe you should just face up to reality and admit that countries like Australia and Canada are just better now. As far as 'disappointing crowds' are concerned: I guess the total capacity of the stadiums here is about 4 times what it was in Victoria. Of course, when you have a stadium that only has 25,000 seats it is easy to fill it all. In total, until now the sales of tickets are higher than the total that was sold in Victoria and more tickets are sold at the gates every day. In the end it won't be that bad at all. What we (you?) maybe need is a little bit more of a 'positive attitude'. Just take your Australian colleagues, and the Australian spectators, as an example. Once they got here and all the negative reports about transport, haze, etc. proved unfounded they haven't stopped commenting about the excellent atmosphere and venues.
Jacky Corstjens, Malaysia

It is refreshing to compete with money in mind. Also the Games promote friendship and good will. They must go on.
G. Athanassoulis, Greece

Didn't Australia always do well at the Commonwealth Games? Were they the Australian Commonwealth Games? Don't think so, after all isn't Australia only part of the BRITISH Commonwealth, and not really as significant a part as obviously this person with no name likes to think. I refer to the e-mail from the contributor in 'Australia". Of course the Commonwealth Games are worthwhile, that's if one is of the opinion that sport is worthwhile or is it just winning that appeals to most Neanderthals?
P. Olohan, English in American

I don't believe that the Games have had their day. Through sports, new ties are established while old ones are renewed. Many get the opportunity either to see or hear about other countries. For instance, take Malaysia, how many of the athletes and supporters would have had the opportunity to see Malaysia? This is one way of promoting trade and travel as people get to learn about what the country has to offer. As it is well known, trade and tourism create employment to many.
R Sugunarajah, Malaysia

Being an ex-pat Aussie living in the USA, I have payed particular attention to the Games. It is funny that at work we have Indians, Pakistanis, New Zealanders, Canadians, and Indians from South Africa all paying attention to the games and their country of origin hoping that the best will win, while the Americans at work wonder what all the fuss is about. It is just a reminder to the Americans around us that World Series Baseball which only involves America is not a World Series. Here is a spirit of competition that is particular to US...the Commonwealth, not the US.
Jim Cooper, USA

Living in Australia has shown that the desire to be part of a "Friendly Games" based around a common grouping like the Commonwealth comes clearly second to being seen to win more gold medals than any opposition. As the USA and ex-Soviet bloc countires used to dominate Olympics and the number of "Golds" was seen as a demonstration of national superiority so, in Australia at least, winning has become everything and losing is nothing. The games should continue as a forum for participants but country based medal tables should be abolished or at least recognised for the baseless propoganda they represent.
Glyn Overbury, Australia

Maybe if poor old England were doing better in the KL Games the question wouldn't arise?
Viewer, Australia

Meets like this are still relevant and provides less well known athletes to shine in a less competitive, but high profile forum
Ashley Silver, Canada/South Africa

Yes, the Commonwealth games have had their day. Until you mentioned it, I didn't even know they existed at all ... enough said.
John Munkey, USA

Isn't it a little strange that the only major international sporting event that hasn't been turned into a commercial political and media circus is the one people are calling an anachronism?
Jon Livesey, USA

Including the US is a bad idea. They are not in the Commonwealth and the absence of their overpowering money and media agendas is what makes the Commonwealth and the Games refreshing, enjoyable and effective, albeit 'modestly' effective.
Robin Barden, UK

The Commonwealth games, along with being another valuable forum for athletes, is also a demonstration of the collaboration of Commonwealth nations. In these days when people tend to forget that the British Commonwealth remains a strong entity of a variety of countries, it would be a shame if one of the top nonpolitical symbols of the Commonwealth were to vanish.
Lars Ormberg, Canada

I feel that the time has come call it a day. The vast amount of money used to host these games could be better spent on developing the countries. After all how many countries in the Commonwealth can really afford to host the games? It would be better to concentrate on the games that have been traditionally played in the Commonwealth - like rugby and cricket.The richer countries can assist by developing these two games in the poorer countries. The Commonwealth Games lost its shine when the colonies got independence and went their own ways.
Kesavan Pandurangam, Malaysia

So we don't get to see a bunch of arrogant endorsement hungry "athletes" glaring at each other in the hope of a few extra seconds of media coverage and a higher profile. I was recently sickened by the American "friendly games" where, I think, the US invited any country who it thought it might beat. The way the atheletes dismissed their fellow competitors left no doubt that these games were anything but "friendly". Even the Olympics have become a paycheque for some sports. How have we lost our way from the thrill and pride of true amateur competitio? The Olympic ideal has been sold to the highest bidder and a man that can run 100 meters in nine-something seconds now earns in the millions. Just think about that for a second. The Commomwealth Games is a haven for young fresh athletes to gain experience and teach the world about true sportsmanship. True struggle, in a word. Thank God that the american's have no part in it.
Roy Maher, Canada - Ex Pat UK

But the Olympic Games have had their day too. Athletes have become no more than highly-paid circus performers. Before long, they'll not only be drug-assisted, but genetically engineered super-beings. Just so as to ensure the world records will continue to fall and the sponsors all stay happy. But eventually, we'll all lose interest.
Dave Pattison, Ireland

It is disappointing that athletes are 'tired' and not representing their country but are available when the big money is around. Where is the desire to represent one's country and how can we not make a cricket team available? It's hard to believe that Malaysian rugby players were outclassed but still gave it their all in the true spirit of the game.
Pat O'Sullivan, Malaysia

The Games certainly have not had their day. They are an excellent way to unite the Commonwealth, as well as being one of the better of the modern athletics championships.
James R. Norman, Great Britain

The Games should go on. The Games should be organised in countries other than the traditional venues such as England, Australia, New Zealand etc. Small countries should be given the opportunity to organise the Games. This will allow a friendlier atmosphere between the Britisth colonists and their former colonies. Efforts should be made to erase those hard feelings of the imperialist era. Sporting arenas prove to be the best place to do away with all the prejudices such as colour, religion, race etc. The spirit of the Commonwealth should be revived to reflect the co-operation between independent states. At least on the sporting field, the former colonies can get the chance to get even against their former colonists.
Az Ismail, Malaysia

Athletics has been sullied firstly with the boycotts of the '80s, and secondly with exposure of widespread drug use. I think the question should be, has athletics had its day?
Scott, Hong Kong, SAR, China

They are still a valuable source of inspiration for our young athletes and sportsmen/women - something to aim for.
Grant Dorrall, UK

I was a volunteer at the '94 Games in Victoria. It was a great experience for all involved - the athletes, volunteers, the entire community. Friendly competition is the whole point of the Games. Why can't sport be just that?
Steve Clifford, Canada

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