Jacob Kiplimo Credit: © Kawowo Sports | JOHN BATANUDDE

XXI Commonwealth Games:

  • 4th – 15th April 2018
  • Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast (Australia)

A total of 15 athletes have so far qualified to compete for team Uganda at the 2018 Commonwealth Games due in April as the deadline for qualification comes closer.

[/media-credit] Joshua Cheptegei setting the pace during the IAAF World Cross Country Championship senior race. He is confirmed for team Uganda on the 5000 and 10,000M races Credit: © Kawowo Sports | JOHN BATANUDDE

The list of qualifiers is led by World Championships silver medalist Joshua Cheptegei and former Olympic Marathon Champion, Stephen Kiprotich.

More athletes are however expected  to hit the required standards at the 6th National Trials due this weekend (Saturday, February 24) going by the recent impressive results from the 5th National Trials hosted at Mandela Stadium, Namboole.

Athletes  particularly in  400m  (both men and women) categories  put up good performances two weeks ago with their times inching closely towards  the  set 53.0 seconds (Women) and 46.0 seconds (men) standards.

It will however not be a surprise if the 400m and middle distance (800m/1500m) competitions register qualifiers for the prestigious Commonwealth Games due April  4-15, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Mercyline Chelengant is confirmed for the women 10,000M race at the XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

The 400m runners eyeing the qualification mark include women Scovia Ayikoru, Emily Nanziri, Stella Wonruku, Nasiba Nabirye with Shida Leni this time round  pace setting for the rest.

It’s only Leni who has so far qualified with 52.87 seconds in 400m on home track during the 4th Uganda Athletic Federation (UAF) National Trial at Mnaboole.

The men in contest will pit hot contenders Ali Ngaimoko, Daniel Ogwok, Williamson Oroma, Musa Isabirye, Martin Ariko, Benson Okot and Leornard Opiny.

[/media-credit] Thomas Ayeko (left) as he won the 2018 National Cross Country Championship in Jinja. He is confirmed for the Marathon alongside Jackson Kiprop, Stephen Kiprotich, Solomon Mutai, Alex Chesakit, Moses Kipsiro and Robert Chemonges Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

There are 70 countries that have duly registered to take part in this year’s Commonwealth games.

Uganda will be represented in boxing, Squash, Athletics, Swimming, Badminton, Netball, Cycling and Weightlifting.

The last Commonwealth games were hosted by Glasgow in Scotland.

Birmingham, England will host the 2022 games.

Commonwealth Games Qualifiers:

Provisional

  1. Jackson Kiprop – Marathon
  2. Thomas Ayeko – Marathon
  3. Solomon Mutai  – Marathon
  4. Alex Chesakit – Marathon
  5. Moses Kipsiro – Marathon
  6. Robert Chemonges – Marathon
  7. Stephen Kiprotich – Marathon
  8. Ezekiel Chepkorom – Marathon
  9. Winnie Nanyondo – 1500m
  10. Mercyline Chelangat – 10,000m
  11. Shida Leni – 400m
  12. Albert Chemutai – 3000m Steeple Chase
  13. Joshua Cheptegei – 5000m/10,000m
  14. Jacob Kiplimo – 5000m/10,000m
  15. Timothy Toroitich – 10,000m

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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