The first Commonwealth Games in Hamilton 1930 included only 6 sports. They were Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming & Diving) Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, and Wrestling. The emergence of world bodies to regulate various sports has helped these sports to be more scientific and sophisticated by making strict rules and regulations. As a result, more and more sports are being included within the framework of Commonwealth Games, which has reached up 17 events to be held during 2010 Commonwealth Games.

According to the rules of the Commonwealth Games Federation, there are three types of sports namely Core, Optional and Recognized. The hosting city of Commonwealth Games must include a minimum of 10 core sports on their Programme. They can then include up to an additional Seven from a list of optional sports, with a maximum of four team sports on their Programme. . Recognised sports are those sports, which require further growth within the Commonwealth before they can be classed as Optional. Some sports currently recognised by the CGF that have not yet been included on the Programme of a Commonwealth Games are Billiards/Snooker, Canoeing, Golf, Yachting/Sailing, and Volleyball.

In addition to this, the CGF has also established a list of core sports for Elite Athletes with a Disability (EAD). Cities must include EAD events across four core sports. 2010 Commonwealth Games may include running, throwing, swimming and table tennis (wheel chair) events for them.

As far as the 2010 Commonwealth Games are concerned 17 sports have been planned for it. They are Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The triathlon appears likely to be excluded from these games, as there is no suitable location for the swimming stage. The organisers have also proposed removing basketball, but want to include archery, tennis. Cricket, although in strong demand, may not make a come-back as the Board of Control for Cricket in India are not keen on a Twenty20 tournament, but the organizers do not want a one day tournament.

These 17 sports are to be played in eleven major stadiums located across the city of Delhi. Some of them are Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium and Delhi University Sport Complex. Some sports like shooting and swimming will be hosted in specially built stadiums like Karni Singh Shooting Range and SPM Swimming Pool.

These events are to be played according to the rule and regulations made by Commonwealth Games Federation and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which banned use of performance enhancing substances.