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Van Niekerk breaks 50m record twice, eyes Commonwealth gold: 'It's going to be amazing'

South Africa's new teen star Lara van Niekerk is on the verge of bringing home South Africa's first gold medal as she powered to a Commonwealth Games record in the 50m breaststroke on Friday.

CWG 2022: Led by Mirabai Chanu, lifters look to start India's medal run in style

The country’s weightlifters have been the second-biggest contributor – after shooting (135 medals) – to India’s medal haul at the CWG since the sport’s inclusion in the quadrennial meet at the Auckland edition in 1950, with 43 gold, 48 silver and 34 bronze and an overall tally of 125. India had finished on top of the medals tally in weightlifting at the Gold Coast Games in 2018, bringing home five gold, two silver and an equal number of bronze medals. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai will headline India’s 15-member weightlifting contingent, which will contest in 14 different categories at the Games. Mirabai (49kg) will be in action on the opening day of the weightlifting competitions at the NEC Arena on Saturday, along with debutant Bindyarani Devi in the women’s 55kg category. Bindyarani had won the clean and jerk gold at the women’s Worlds in Tashkent in December last year, apart from a silver at the Commonwealth meet which were being held concurrently.

CWG 2022: India waste chances but trounce Ghana

The last time India faced Ghana was in the World League Round 2 in 2014-15, which they won 13-0. But much has changed in Ghana hockey since then and it was on show at the University of Birmingham hockey centre. For India, the beginning was bright as dragflick ace Gurjit Kaur found the top-left corner of the goal off the first penalty corner the team earned in the third minute. It was evident that Ghana struggled initially to adjust to the pace generated by India but what they lacked in skill they made up for in spirit and execution. They spent the first quarter defending their citadel with 10 players packing the circle, leaving India in considerable discomfort due to the lack of space. But Ghana’s inexperience weighed on them as India doubled the lead in the 28th minute when Neha’s impressive run near the post was deflected home by a defender. The first half was frustrating for India and it showed on chief coach Janneke Schopman’s face as penalty corners were wasted due to poor injection and execution.