Lesser-known nations flying the flag at the Commonwealth Games

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, are looking to claim a fifth medal and first since 2006.

Published Jul 27, 2022

Athletes representing all 72 Commonwealth Games Federations are expected to march in the opening ceremony of Birmingham 2022 at the Alexander Stadium on Thursday night.

Here the PA news agency highlights some of the lesser-known nations who will fly their flags alongside giants such as England, Australia and Canada.

Niue

Norfolk Island

Tiny Norfolk Island will be represented in Birmingham by 14 lawn bowlers. The island is perhaps best known as the place where a number of mutineers from the Bounty were resettled, and the connection is evident in 71-year-old John Christian, a sixth generation descendant of Fletcher Christian, who will compete at the Games for the third time. Norfolk Island won their second medal, a bowls bronze, on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Saint Helena

ST. HELENA : 1984 — Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena (PA Archive)

Tuvalu

Royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific – Day Nine — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are among few visitors to Tuvalu (PA Archive)

Eswatini

Sport – 2014 Commonwealth Games – Day Three — Thabiso Dlamini competed for Eswatini – then Swaziland – in 2014 (Peter Byrne/PA)