Pune 2008
Pune, India (located 170km south of Mumbai) played host to the III Commonwealth Youth Games from 12th-18th October 2008. It was the first time that the Youth Games had been held in Asia and the first time that all 71 Commonwealth countries took part.
Pune is the cultural capital of the Maharashtra region of India and the people are known as Puneites. The city is renowned for hosting several world class events, including India’s oldest marathon.
The magnificent Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex was the focal point of the 2008 Games. It’s unique feature was that it is the first time that the competition venues for all sports and the athletes’ village was housed on a single site.
Over 1,400 athletes and 300 officials participated in nine sports:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Boxing
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Based on their allocated athlete numbers, Scotland sent a team of 44 athletes (15 girls and 29 boys). Scotland won 18 medals: 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 12 Bronze to finish 8th on the medal table.
The title of ‘Athlete of the Games’ was awarded to swimmer Douglas Scott who won two Gold medals in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke and a Bronze in the 4x100m Medley Relay. Shooter Kay Copland who won Gold in the Smallbore 50m Rifle Prone was named runner-up.
Commenting on the team’s performance, Lisa Allan, General Team Manager said: “I’m absolutely delighted with our athletes’ performances, not just from those that won medals and achieved PBs but with the whole team for the way they bonded together and supported each other this week. What these athletes have learned here will stand them in good stead for when they’re seniors competing in future Commonwealth Games.”