Commonwealth Games set for glitzy launch in Birmingham

Commonwealth Games set for glitzy launch in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM: More than 5,000 athletes are set for action in the English city of Birmingham from Friday at a Commonwealth Games that lacks many track and field stars but still boasts elite performers.

Competitors from 72 countries and territories — many of them former British colonies — will compete for medals in 19 sports over 11 days in the Midlands.

Apart from the marquee athletics and swimming events, women’s Twenty20 cricket is making its debut and 3×3 basketball will be offered for the first time while Sedate Lawn Bowls is a fixture.

Some programs have an integrated para-sports program.

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