adminBIRMINGHAM. — The 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games ended on Monday with Nigeria the top-performing African country in Birmingham following a record haul of 35 medals.
Africa’s most populous nation topped the continent’s medal table for the first time since 1994, with South Africa second and Kenya third.
However, the multi-sport event has its critics — not least for the £778m (US$952.6m) cost of staging it this year and its battle to remain relevant in a packed calendar.
Kenyan middle-distance runner Conseslus Kipruto believes the event still produces competitive contests.
“The Commonwealth Games is a big event. It’s almost like an Olympic event because many countries come to compete,” the 27-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
“We ran a good steeplechase event for example, very competitive.
“We always come to compete as we were colonised by the British. We come to battle for these medals — it’s always good to have a Commonwealth gold medal in your cabinet.”
The 2016 Olympic and two-time world steeplechase champion may have finished fourth in Birmingham, but deeply adores his gold from the Gold Coast Games four years ago. “It doesn’t come with any money because it is not included in the contracts we have, but it’s good to represent your country and gauge yourself,” he added.
“I won it in 2018 and I am happy I have a gold from the Commonwealth Games.”
The Games, which were first held in Canada in 1930, feature athletes from 72 nations and territories — mostly former British colonies.
However, the last four countries to join the Commonwealth of Nations — Rwanda, Mozambique, Gabon, and Togo — have no historical ties to the British Empire.
Some argue that the Games lack the Olympic spirit and appeal, but participants from Africa enjoy the national pride, glory and exposure on offer.
Birmingham 2022 became the first major multi-sport event to hand out more medals to women than men and one of those champions, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, says the quadrennial event has a place in the hearts of Nigerians.
“I was hoping to be at my first Commonwealth Games because it’s special to Nigeria,” the world record-setting powerlifter told BBC Sport Africa.
“To win gold here makes it more special. I’ve also discovered there are lots of sports at the Games which African countries don’t have, so I’m imploring the African countries to develop more sports.”
Lawn bowls player Lephai Marea Modutlwa, meanwhile, was delighted to participate in an event that is yet to get Olympicq approval. — BBC Sport Afrixa.
Online Reporter