Africa not giving up on Commonwealth Games

Razeen Gutta

With the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games having now come to an end, the attention has already shifted to the 2026 competition.

The Games scheduled for Victoria in Australia are being described as “uncertain”.

For Africa, however, the dream to stage the spectacle continues.

Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya made up the top three African countries in the overall medal table and despite the joy and unity it provides on the continent, the event continues to have its critics.

The £778 million (R15.3 billion) cost of hosting it, coupled with its fight for relevance, has put the future of the competition into question.

BBC Sport’s Mike Henson said that the competition has not been an easy sell and that the Games this year “didn’t have everything”.

Andy Bull from The Guardian, meanwhile, contrasted it with the Olympics.

“While the athletes make the Olympic Games, the fans bailed out the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

The lack of Olympic spirit at the Games has been much talked about in recent times. However, for Africans, the opportunity it provides makes it an important competition.

The Games also feature a number of sports not included in the Olympics and give young athletes and small nations a platform to shine on.

Mozambican boxer Tiago Osorio Muxanga, who won a silver medal in the men’s light-middleweight division, said that the Games inspire the younger generation.

“This means a lot to me, because I represent something like 10 million people in Mozambique who are suffering, who are fighting for a good life,” said 21-year-old Muxanga as per BBC Sport Africa.

“These Games can inspire more young people to follow boxing or other sports. I think this will inspire more young people in Mozambique to follow their dreams.”

Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association’s Maxwell Jele said that Birmingham 2022 offered the small nation a big opportunity.

“We brought a relatively small team compared to other countries. However we ensured a good mix of sporting codes and genders,” he said.

“We set out objectives based on our long-term strategy and focused on athletes that are building towards a bright future.”

Image source: @TheBridgeNews

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Recent articles