Sports, Politics & the Commonwealth

What is the link between politics and sport in the Commonwealth? As both a cultural and political union, sport has been a central and evolving pillar - through the Commonwealth Games, cooperation between Sports Ministries or in promoting sustainable development. In our extended episode released ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, we look at the past, present and future of these links - as a venue for protest and self-determination, as a career path or as a basis for peace and development.Dr. Matthew McDowell is a Lecturer in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development at Edinburgh University. He discussed the transition of the Empire Games into the Commonwealth Games, its relationship with nationalism and apartheid and whether its now found a sustainable hosting blueprint.Hon. Liesl Tesch participated in 5 Paralympic Games in wheelchair basketball and sailing, and won 3 medals. She currently serves as a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. She discusses her programmes to support sportspersons in Australia and to link sport and development globally, and her transition from athlete to legislator.Dr Lin Cherurbai Sambili-Gicheha is the Adviser, Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) for the Commonwealth-Secretariat. She discusses her research on the link between peace, development and sport.Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue) Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform: https://www.cpahq.org/knowledge-centre/podcast/ This podcast was recorded in May 2026 by Oz Russell, Communications Officer at the CPA Secretariat.