Commonwealth Games 2022 - Where Does India Stand?

The 2022 Commonwealth Games were held in Birmingham, England. The event commenced on July 28 and ended on August 8. India has made her Commonwealth Games appearance for the 18th time this year. The event celebrated its 22nd anniversary this year with champions playing against each other, displaying tremendous athletic feats and reaching great heights. The motto this year is “Sport is Just the Beginning”, indicating further unity and ties within the nations and collaboration for future events besides sports as well.

2022 Commonwealth Games - Show of Medals

What are Commonwealth Games?

Commonwealth Games, which are also known as Friendly Games, is basically a multi-sport event that nations organise every 4 years. The core values in these games are humanity, equality, and destiny. Athletes play these games in a friendly spirit, upholding fair play, in order to celebrate friendship and unity. These are not just games, the event is more of a festival. The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930, in Hamilton. Since then, the event has gained massive prominence and engagement. It has since been one of the most challenging yet fair and harmonious sports events.

2022 Commonwealth Games India

India has shown immense vigour and athletic prowess in this year’s Commonwealth Games. Following are the highlights from India in the 2022 Commonwealth Games:

• This year’s Indian flag bearers were Manpreet Singh (Hockey player) and P.V. Sindhu (Badminton player). 

• The Indian team comprised 106 men and 104 women and competed in 16 events. 

• At just 14 years of age, Anahat Singh (Squash player) became the youngest competing athlete from India at the Commonwealth Games. 

• It was Saikhom Mirabai Chanu who bagged the first gold medal for India this year. 

• India’s first Lawn Bowls medals were won this year - Women’s Fours bagged gold while Men’s Fours bagged silver.

• India won 22 gold medals, 16 silver medals, and 23 bronze medals in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It must be noted that although the shooting event was ruled out this year (which is a sport where India dominates), Indian athletes didn’t disappoint with all the medals that they have won in other events. 

• The Indian audience was deeply disheartened by Neeraj Chopra’s (star javelin thrower) groyne injury a couple of days before the games commenced.
    

Sports-wise Distribution of Medals Won by India in the 2022 Commonwealth Games

• Wrestling - 12 (Gold: 6, Silver: 1, Bronze: 5)

• TableTennis - 7 (Gold: 4, Silver: 1, Bronze: 2)

• Weight Lifting - 10 (Gold: 3, Silver: 3, Bronze: 4)

• Boxing - 7 (Gold: 3, Silver: 1, Bronze: 3)

• Badminton - 6 (Gold: 3, Silver: 1, Bronze: 2)

• Athletics - 8 (Gold: 1, Silver: 4, Bronze: 3)

• Lawn Bowls - 2 (Gold: 1, Silver: 1)

• Para Powerlifting - 1 (Gold: 1)

• Judo - 3 (Silver: 2, Bronze: 1)

• Hockey - 2 (Silver: 1, Bronze: 1)

• Cricket - 1 (Silver: 1)

• Squash - 2 (Bronze: 2)
  
  

The Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was, as always, celebrated in style and with tremendous enthusiasm and joy. From Bhangra beats to the Apache Indian power performance, the end of the event was nothing less than a carnival of fun, friendship, and colours. With immersive fireworks and lawless dancing, the 2022 Commonwealth Games ended on a great note!

Indian Bhangra Dance at the Closing Ceremony of 2022 Commonwealth Games

Conclusion 

India’s performance was commendable in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, although certain sports and certain players didn’t make the cut. Their performance in these games has brought great glory and pride to the nation which will be appreciated in the times to come and India and the world are yet again awaiting the next event in 2026. It must be remembered that sport brings humans together in friendship and harmony. Sports should be celebrated in every form and in every place, be it for kids or for adults, in schools or in the champion’s field. It is our duty to light this fire in all men alike and let it burn hard and long!