The , officially known as the XXII Commonwealth Games and commonly called Birmingham 2022 , was a historic multi-sport event held in Birmingham, England , from July 28 to August 8, 2022. Rooted in the event's official motto, "Games for Everyone," this edition set a new benchmark for inclusivity, athletic dominance, and cultural celebration. It became the first major multi-sport event in history to feature more medal events for women (136) than men (134) , alongside the largest integrated para-sports program ever staged.
Birmingham 2022 was widely hailed as the "Friendly Games" at its best. It combined high-performance sport with a festival atmosphere, leaving a lasting legacy for the city of Birmingham and setting a new standard for future Commonwealth Games.
: It was the first major multi-sport event to feature more medal events for women (136) than men (134). It also hosted the largest integrated para-sport program in Commonwealth history. Sporting Debuts : The 2022 Games introduced Women's T20 Cricket Basketball 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball 3x3 Attendance 1.5 million tickets xxcxx 2022 commonwealth games best
The most significant achievement was its commitment to gender parity. Birmingham 2022 became the (136 events for women vs. 134 for men). In an equally monumental first, the Games also featured the largest integrated para-sport program ever, with para-athletes competing as an integral part of their national teams. Even the medals reflected this inclusivity, designed with an adjustable ribbon to fit all body shapes and sizes.
The event was as much about the city as the sports. The , a 10-meter-tall mechanical icon from the opening ceremony, became a symbol of Birmingham's industrial heritage. The Games concluded with a surprise appearance by Ozzy Osbourne , who reunited with Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi to perform "Paranoid" in front of a capacity crowd at Alexander Stadium. The , officially known as the XXII Commonwealth
The Games left an indelible mark on the city and the West Midlands, with new sporting facilities and a massive volunteer force known as the "Commonwealth Collective." While debates about the long-term financial viability of the Commonwealth Games will undoubtedly continue, the Birmingham 2022 edition showcased the unique power of the event to bring nations together in a spirit of "friendly competition" and create unforgettable, magical moments for both participants and fans.
Cricket made a massive, fast-paced return to the global multi-sport stage with the official tournament debut of Women's Twenty20 (T20) cricket. Packed crowds at Edgbaston Cricket Ground witnessed world-class, high-stakes matches that introduced the sport to a massive new generation of fans. Economic and Infrastructure Legacy Birmingham 2022 was widely hailed as the "Friendly
Birmingham 2022 broke new ground by placing diversity at the core of its delivery: Para-Sport Integration
: Australia ultimately topped the competitive medal table, securing 67 gold medals and a staggering 179 total medals.
— a new Commonwealth Games record .