Silence descended on the city center from Arena Birmingham’s main media hub. For the past 12 days, the whole of Birmingham has been tied together by the Commonwealth Games. The traditional Victoria Square, which hosted more than 5,000 athletes from 72 countries, is now in ruins. After four years, the 23rd Commonwealth Games will be held in Victoria, Australia in 2026.
The bugle also sounded at the closing ceremony at Alexander Stadium on Monday night. England could not be the best despite giving a great challenge to Australia in the medal fight before the finale. Australia dominated the Commonwealth Games as usual. Aussies won a total of 178 medals including 67 gold, 57 silver, 54 bronze. Second placed England won a total of 176 medals including 57 gold, 66 silver, 53 bronze.
Bangladeshi athletes will want to forget the Birmingham Games. Swimming, athletics, gymnastics, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling – Imranur Rahman-Ali Quader Hokra could not cross the selection barrier in any event. While neighboring countries India and Pakistan won gold, the Lankans made the games memorable by winning silver and bronze medals. The whole of Birmingham was dressed in a new look to accompany the sportsmen’s success and failure stories. ‘Sports Lover’ Englishmen flocked to all the stadiums.
