The number of people from Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games delegation reported missing has risen to 10, with athletes and officials seeking to avoid returning to the economic crisis and political turmoil in their home country. Previously, Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games Association confirmed two athletes and a coach had gone missing, but this number appears to have increased to double figures. Judoka Chamila Dilani, judo team manager Asela da Silva and wrestler Shanith Chathuranga were the first to disappear. As a preventative measure, Sri Lankan officials withheld the passports of team members in an attempt to avoid anyone else absconding. Local authorities ordered team leaders to return passports to athletes, however, saying taking them breached English laws.

Agence France-Presse reports an unnamed Sri Lankan official revealing the number of athletes and officials who have fled is now 10. “Since then, another seven [athletes] have vanished,” said the official. “We suspect they want to remain in the United Kingdom, possibly to get employment.” West Midlands Police has acknowledged that more people connected to the Commonwealth Games have been reported missing. “We are aware of eight reports of missing people relating to Birmingham 2022 and our enquiries continue to ensure they are safe and well,” West Midlands Police told insidethegames. “We are unable to offer any further information”. A team of 110 athletes and 51 officials represented Sri Lanka at Birmingham 2022, which is set to close today. All members are on six-month visas. Sri Lanka have so far claimed one silver medal and three bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Mass protests have been staged for months in Sri Lanka over the economic mismanagement of the previous Government, and this pressure ultimately led to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The country is facing shortages of food and fuel and the Government has run out of foreign currency to buy essential goods.

Birmingham 2022: Miller makes history, becomes oldest medalist @ 75

The Miller’s of this world have a way of setting sporting record. Cameroon’s Roger Miller did it with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the USA 94 World Cup, coming out of retirement to play at 42. Here in Birmingham, another Miller has done it for Scotland. George Miller at 75 has made history as the oldest man to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal. George Miller, 75, says he “never dreamed of being here” after becoming the oldest Commonwealth Games gold medallist when Scotland beat Wales to win the B2/B3 mixed pairs bowls. Miller is director for visually impaired bowler Melanie Innes who, along with Robert Barr and his director Sarah Jane Ewing, beat Wales 16-9. He takes over as oldest medallist from compatriot Rosemary Lenton, 72, who won the Para women’s pairs on Wednesday. In the women’s triples final, England beat Malaysia 17-9 in an exciting contest at Victoria Park. Northern Ireland sealed their best-ever Games medal haul after the men’s fours beat Wales 17-10 in the semi-finals to set up a final meeting with India. After achieving his new Commonwealth accolade, Miller told BBC Sport he thought Lenton would be “quite pleased”. He added: “A year ago I never dreamed of being here. I got a phone call, and nearly fell off my chair to be honest. Here we are – where are we going to go from here?! “Bowls is easier for older people – but any sport… walking football, rugby, you name it. Get out there and exercise, play games, compete. It’s brilliant whatever age you are.” Welshman Gordon Llewellyn – who is also 75 but five months younger than Miller – had to settle for silver along with partner Julie Thomas. Miller, who was born in November 1946, had already broken the record for the oldest Scot to compete at the Commonwealths. Llewellyn was born in April 1947. He and his director John Wilson played with Thomas and her director Mark Adams.

Adron Games: Akanni thumbs up EmmanuelKing

Ex international, Waidi Akanni has poured encomium on the Managing Director of Adron Homes, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing for his unflinching commitment to the development of sports in the country. Akanni who spoke last week in Lagos when Adron homes unfolded its plans for this year’s Adron Games noted that EmmanuelKing has the burning desire to empower the youths. In Akanni’s words… “I say a big thank you to the Group Managing Director of Adron Homes and Property Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, for his unflinching commitment to the development of sports in the country, as well as his socio-economic empowerment of the Nigerian youth. I hope and pray other corporate bodies would emulate EmmanuelKing and Adron Homes.” Akanni, who is CEO of Match International Limited, Technical Consultant for the games disclosed that this year’s event which is expected to hold at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, between November 10-12, 2022, would have more iconic sports and entertainment personalities turning up as the game’s ambassadors. “Since inception, the games had featured track and field queens, ex-internationals, as well as celebrities as ambassadors including Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Austin Eguavoen, Peter Rufai, Aisha Falode, Daniel Amokachi and dance instructor and fitness coach Kaffy. This year that trend would continue,” Akanni said. This year’s event which is equally aimed at celebrating the tenth anniversary of the leading Real Estate and Property Development Company, is themed, ‘The Fit Are The Best.’