Commonwealth games: Athletics is crucial

Athletics again tops Uganda's entries to the Commonwealth Games.

According to preliminary entries to the April 4 to 15 games in the Australian city Gold Coast, Uganda will be represented by 19 athletes.

This is out of a contingent of 68 that also has three swimmers, badminton 2, boxing 6, cycling 2, shooting 1, squash 2, table tennis 2, netball 12, rugby 12, and weightlifting 4.

Athletics has consistently topped Uganda's entries to major sports events — the most recent being the Rio Olympics, where it was represented by a team of 20.

Track and field's status as Uganda's best represented sport has a lot to do with a rich history.

Athletics are the only disciplines to have won Uganda medals at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Uganda has at the Commonwealth won a total of 45 medals. Of these 13 have been gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.

This has lately had stars like Stephen Kiprotich, Moses Kipsiro and Joshua Cheptegei shinning.

Ugandan athletes who have so far qualified for the April 4 to 15 Commonwealth Games are Shida Leni (400m), Winnie Nanyondo (1500m), and Albert Chemutai (steeplechase).

Others: Joshua Cheptegei (pictured), Jacob Kilimo and Timothy Toroitich (10000m), Robert Chemonges and Alex Chesakit (marathon).

Uganda has had a successful run at these games winning a total of 45 medals. Of these 13 have been gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.

At the last games in Glasgow, Moses Kipsiro won gold in the 10,000m while Nanyondo got bronze in the 800m.

Boxers Mike Sekambembe and Fazil Juma Kaggwa also won bronze.