One of the summer’s most exciting events will take place in Birmingham, England over the next two weeks as the 2022 Commonwealth Games finally get underway. This year’s event marks the ten-year anniversary of the 2012 Olympics in London, and it is the third time that the Commonwealth Games have been held in England.
Dates, Sports & Venues
The Commonwealth Games will get underway with the opening ceremony on July 29, with the Closing Ceremony taking place on August 9. The recently developed Alexander Stadium will host both ceremonies, as well as all track and field events. In total, 72 nations will compete across 20 sports, with 280 medals up for grabs. Some of the sports that will be included in the Commonwealth Games this year, include badminton, aquatics, cycling, and netball.
For the first time, cricket will be included at the event, while many of the biggest stars will be involved in the athletics events. The majority of venues are found in Birmingham, including Edgbaston, Alexander Stadium and Arena Birmingham. Meanwhile, other venues, such as Cannock Chase, Victoria Park, and the NEC will be in use around the West Midlands. London will also host events in cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark.
Athletics
The vast majority of the big medals will be on offer at Alexander Stadium, as the Athletics get underway in a couple of weeks. The hopes of the host nation will firmly be on the shoulders of Dina Asher-Smith, as she looks to claim both 100m and 200m success. However, the strong team of Jamaican stars could once again be her biggest challenge to overcome, just as it was at the World Championships in the U.S.
The men’s 100m gold was taken by Akani Simbine in 2018, with South African Henricho Bruintijes finishing second. Jareem Richards took gold in the men’s 200m, with Aaron Brown finishing in second. Both contests are once again expected to be open again this year. Other events to look out for in the track and field, include the 5000m and 10,000m, which were both dominated by Joshua Sheptegei four years ago.
Rugby Sevens
One of the most interesting betting options available for the Commonwealth Games at BetXchange revolves around Rugby Sevens. The favourite in the betting for the men’s gold medal is currently Fiji. The nation won the gold at the Olympics last year, as they beat New Zealand 27-12 in the final. Fiji is currently 12/10 to win gold in Birmingham, meanwhile the Kiwis are 22/10, and South Africa is a 7/2 chance.
In the women’s half of the draw, New Zealand are the clear favourites to win gold. They won every game at the Olympics last year, and beat France 26-12 in the final. At present, they are a 7/10 chance with BetXchange. Australia is the second favourites, while Olympic third-place nation Fiji is a 7/1 chance.
Cricket
For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, women’s cricket will be included in the events that are competed. Australia certainly look to be the standout selection in this event, as they won a fifth T20 World Cup in 2020.
They were dominant in that final against India, as they won by 85 runs, while England will also look to make home advantage count. Australia face India in Group A, while England’s biggest tests are likely to come against New Zealand and South Africa in Group B.
