On Wednesday, more than 4,500 athletes from 71 nations and territories will compete for epic 275 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. There will be the same number of men's and women's medal events for the first time at a major multi-sport event. The Gold Coast 2018 also includes the largest ever programme of disability sport at a Commonwealth Games. More than 2.4 billion people - nearly a third of the world will be represented over 12 days in the Australia. Swimmer Adam Peaty, gymnast Max Whitlock, triathlete Alistair Brownlee and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson are among England's high-profile attendees.

Scotland's team includes athlete Eilidh Doyle, cyclist Katie Archibald and swimmers Hannah Miley and Ross Murdoch. Wales, who include 11-year-old table tennis player Anna Hursey in their squad, will be captained by triathlete Non Stanford, while swimmer Jazz Carlin leads the team at the opening ceremony. Northern Ireland shooter David Calvert competes in a record-extending 11th Commonwealth Games, seeking a fifth gold medal, while Michaela Walsh is one of several medal hopes in boxing.

At the previous edition in Glasgow, the Indian medal tally stood at 64 with 15 gold, 30 silver and 19 bronze and the 225-strong contingent would be likely to either better it or ensure that the final count stay close to the earlier haul. Scotland's team of 224 is their biggest at an overseas Games. They are targeting more than 29 medals, which would be their most successful away Games. The England team comprises 390 athletes and the youngest is 15-year-old gymnast Taeja James. England have topped the medal table seven times, but never in the southern hemisphere. Northern Ireland's past five Commonwealth gold medals have come in boxing. There are 90 athletes in their team. Niue, inhabited by 1,600 people, are bringing a team of 19, representing nearly 1.2% of the Pacific island's population.