Sports
Bolt Ready For Commonwealth Games
The world’s fastest man,
Usain Bolt, has said he would compete at next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
According to Tidesports source, there had been doubts whether the six-time Olympic gold medallist would compete because of a late injury he sustained.
The news was a huge boost to Glasgow 2014 after Yohan Blake, Jamaica’s former 100 metres world champion, confirmed on June 24 that he would not participate in the Games.
It could be recalled that it was the injury that ruled Bolt out of the Ostrava Golden Spike meet and the meeting in Areva in Paris earlier in the year.
The publication also said that Bolt had revealed to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) that he was available to compete at Glasgow.
“I am not ready to compete at the Jamaican Championships this weekend but I have informed the JAAA’s that I am available for selection for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and have submitted the relevant documentation,” Bolt said.
The 27-year-old athleties also indicated that he would only compete in the 4×100 metres relay event as he did not want to take the place of one of his teammates in the 100m or 200m contests.
Bolt is double Olympic champion in the two events.
“I do not want to take the place of anyone who qualifies this weekend in an individual event but I’m available for relay duty if the selectors feel I can be an asset to the Jamaican team in Glasgow,” Bolt said.
It also noted that Bolt had never raced in the Commonwealth Games, having missed the events in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi four years ago.
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, was happy about the news and commended the world champion.
“Scotland has the biggest Hampden roar waiting for him and sports fans across the world will also relish the prospect of seeing him go for a first Commonwealth Gold in Glasgow,” he said.
The heats of the men’s 4x100m are due to hold at Hampden Park on Aug. 1, with the final the following evening.
The Commonwealth Games would take place from July 23 to August 3.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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