The Commonwealth Games has always been a competition shaped by its history as well as its sport. Previously known as the “British Empire Games”, the competition is perhaps viewed by many as the “Olympics-lite”, a place where smaller nations and territories get their time to shine (although Australia, England and Canada dominate the medal table).

For others, it is a perpetual reminder of the presence of colonisation on our shores, a place where the damaging and violent histories of the British Empire are set aside for the “greater good” of sporting glory.

This year’s games staged its opening ceremony entirely indoors for the first time since the games began in 1930. And despite being “stripped back” in comparison to more lavish years – and fresh debate on the place of the Commonwealth itself – it proved a vivid “re-imagining” of established tradition.

De-centering the monarchy

The move indoors is partly a practical response for a scaled-back edition of the games, but it is also symbolic of an event that is continuing to redefine itself after years of uncertainty.

This year, Glasgow becomes the third city to host the........

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