BIRMINGHAM (UNITED KINGDOM) – More than 5,000 athletes are primed for action in the English city of Birmingham from Friday at a Commonwealth Games lacking several track and field stars but still boasting elite performers.
Competitors from 72 nations and territories — many of which are former British colonies — will be vying for medals in 19 sports over a jam-packed 11 days in the Midlands.
Away from the marquee athletics and swimming events, women’s Twenty20 cricket makes its debut and 3×3 basketball will feature for the first time while sedate lawn bowls is a fixture.
There is an integrated para sports programme in some events.
The Games, held every four years, are often…
