Natalie Powell has been selected to compete for Team Wales in this year’s Commonweath Games.

The judoka, who hails from Beulah, is one of 199 Team Wales athletes across 15 sports who will be heading for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games this July

Powell competed for Wales in the women’s 78 kg event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she won a gold medal.

There will be a record number of Para athletes and more women than men in the final team selection.

Helen Phillips, Chair of the Commonwealth Games Wales Board said: “As Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales, on behalf of the board, I would like to congratulate every single athlete, their coaching staff and support teams from our member National Governing Bodies who have qualified or been selected to represent Team Wales at this summer’s XXII Commonwealth Games.

“The dedication and diligence shown in their preparations, heightens even further the pride we have here in Wales to represent your country, especially following such an unpredictable and uncertain period during the pandemic.

“We are not only proud of the exceptional talent we have selected, but proud of our athlete’s behaviour and professionalism frequently noted amongst our fellow Commonwealth Sport friends. Gold Coast 2018 was certainly a Games to remember, and we are confident Team Wales will positively make their mark in Birmingham.

“Our campaign for 2022 is ‘The summit of our aspirations’. Together we will champion every athlete and their support team to relish the opportunity, reach their personal goals at the same time inspire those that will follow in their footsteps.”

She added: “Thank you to everyone involved in the formation of this team. Thank you to our athletes for all your dedication and to our NGB’s for your utmost support to our team who will represent us in the amazing city of Birmingham. Pob lwc Cymru.”

Chris Jenkins, CEO of Commonwealth Games Wales said: “I would like to add my congratulations to all those selected to represent Wales in Birmingham ‘22 and thank all the coaches, support staff, and friends and family, who stand behind the athletes.

“An opportunity to represent your country goes deeper than putting on a Welsh top and competing in sport. For Wales, it’s about unity, coming together as a small nation and being proud of who we are. The success we’ve had in the Commonwealth Games speaks for itself, and the athletes who have made their mark are now sporting idols for many, from Colin Jackson, Geraint Thomas, Kirsty Wade to Lauren Price. The selection panel certainly had a tough job this year, and seeing the line-up, really transforms all the hard work over the last four years into reality.

“It’s great to see a mixture of familiar and successful faces with new Team Wales members, all eager to make their mark on the Commonwealth stage. 50 days to go; we can’t wait.”

This year’s Commonwealth Games runs will take place from July 28 to August 8.

Birmingham was announced as host in December 2017, marking England’s third time hosting the Commonwealth Games after London 1934 and Manchester 2002.