Korir asks Kenya team to widen medal scope beyond athletics at Commonwealth Games

NAIROBI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya must work hard to widen its medal scope and compete favorable with other countries and regions during next year's Commonwealth Games, in Gold Coast, Australia starting on April 4-15.

Barnaba Korir, Kenya's head of delegation said athletics has remained the country's medal basket and in the last Games in Glasgow, Scotland, it fetched all but two of the 22 medals Kenya secured.

Boxing and weightlifting were the only other disciplines to bag bronze medal. Kenya got 25 medals - 10 gold, 10 silver and five bronze in Glasgow, which was less compared to the 12 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals won in 2010 in Delhi, India.

"There is need for all other disciplines to improve their game. The games mean a lot to us and we must send a very able team," said Korir.

Kenya will again be represented in 15 disciplines in Gold Coast and Korir believes if there can be more than five disciplines getting medals, then the country will be able to dominate Africa.

To boost Kenya's performance, Korir said early preparations are critical.

"We want all the athletes to feel part of the team. There will be time to prepare here at home and abroad. The games village opens on March 25 which is enough time for the team to check in and prepare," said Korir.

Korir is back in the country after he toured the Australia to oversee the games preparations. He was accompanied by National Olympic Committee of Kenya treasurer Anthony Kariuki. Enditem