CWG2022: More Medal Events For Women, First Time In A Multi-Sport Event

Women are making history at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022 by securing the first-ever medal in Lawn Bowls. The Indian women’s Lawn Bowl team has reached the finals of the Women’s Fours event by defeating New Zealand.

Marking the first time in the history of multi-sport events, there are more medals for women than men in the Commonwealth Games 2022. The 11-day event opened on July 28 in Birmingham, England, marking its third time in the country.

The Commonwealth Games started in 1930 as the British Empire Games. Four years ago, in 2018, the games were also the first global multi-sport event to host an equal number of medal events for both men and women. In 2022, there are two more medal events for women compared to men.

There are several women acing at the games this year. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who led a medal sweep for Jamaica at the 100m race at the world championships and is a five-time world champion. Dina Asher-Smith, who took a bronze at the 200m race, among others.

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This is also the first time women’s cricket has been introduced in the Commonwealth Games. The Indian women’s cricket team defeated Pakistan by eight wickets on Sunday. The Indian team is led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. “This tournament is very important for us. This time we’re playing for medals. We’ve grown (up) watching these ... and this time we’re glad we’re also getting opportunities to be part of this big event,” she said to Associated Press.

Amongst the gold medalists are Emma McKeon, who set a new Australian record of scoring 11 Commonwealth gold medals by winning the women’s 50m freestyle, Jessica Stenson won a marathon course. Madison de Rozario secured a medal in the wheelchair racing category, while Katja Dedekind clinched the gold in the Women's 50m Freestyle S13 final in a World Record time of 26.56 seconds, and Australia’s women’s rugby team defeated the New Zealand team.

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Amongst Indian women, Mirabai Chanu won the first gold medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting final followed by Nikhat Zareen, who made it to the quarter finals of women’s under 50kgs boxing category. The latter will be fighting against bronze medallist Troy Garton of New Zealand. Bindiyarani won a silver medal in the women’s 55kg final.