Dame Louise Martin has praised the record-breaking Birmingham 2022 in her New Year message ©ITG

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Dame Louise Martin has praised the "spectacular" Birmingham 2022 in her New Year message as the organisation turns its attentions to 2023.

Dame Louise oversaw what was the third edition of the Commonwealth Games held in England which drew record crowds and set new benchmarks for women's and Para sport.

"This time last year Birmingham 2022 was on the horizon, the excitement was well and truly building for the Commonwealth to come together after years apart due to the pandemic," said Dame Louise.

"Fast forward to today and I am so proud of what was achieved during these Games.

"Selling 1.5 million tickets, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was the most well-attended Games ever staged in the UK.

"From the iconic ‘Raging Bull’ to the legendary Ozzy Osborne, it was simply spectacular.

The Raging Bull, located in the centre of Birmingham, became one of the big attractions of this year's Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images
The Raging Bull, located in the centre of Birmingham, became one of the big attractions of this year's Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

"The largest ever sports programme saw 4,822 athletes from our 72 countries compete, with an incredible 43 of these winning medals, including the first ever for Niue.

"Over 11 vibrant days, four world records and 96 Commonwealth records were set."

In Birmingham, there were 350 Para athletes competing across 44 medal events, which was the highest number at a Commonwealth Games.

Another first, in any multi-sport event, saw more medals awarded to women than men while there was also a four per cent rise in the number of female athletes compared to those at Gold Coast 2018.

The 2022 Games' Organising Committee focused on a new digital approach in the hope of provide a more engaging and accessible service for fans.

A spectacular fireworks display at the Alexander Stadium closed the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images
A spectacular fireworks display at the Alexander Stadium closed the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

A total of 9.7 million users were recorded on the Commonwealth Games website and app, while social media channels drew 154 million impressions.

Dame Louise then looked to the future as the Federation prepares to host the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in August in Trinidad and Tobago.

Approximately 1,500 athletes and team officials are due to attend the event, which was supposed to take place in 2021 but got postponed, with seven sports featuring on the programme.

"2022 has truly been a year for celebration," Dame Louise said. 

"A year when we could all be together in person again and had the privilege of seeing our shared values of humanity, equality and destiny in action.

"With so much excitement in store, I have no doubt that the positivity of 2022 will continue into 2023."