THE Commonwealth Games in Delhi this October will represent the next instalment in the Duke family’s remarkable success on the global sporting stage, writes Andrew Penman.

Cwmbran powerlifter Kyron Duke has won a place in the Welsh team for the Games and he fully intends to follow in the footsteps of his famous cousin.

Swimmer Gareth Duke, who like Kyron, has a condition known as Acondroplasia – a form of dwarfism, won gold and bronze medals at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens and silver four years later in Beijing and Kyron is determined to carry on the family tradition.

Kyron will compete in the para-sport powerlifting event in India as he builds towards his dream of representing Great Britain at the 2012 London Paralympics.

The 17-year-old trains at Cwmbran Stadium under the watchful eye of coach Gideon Griffiths. He has been powerlifting for five years after getting involved with the sport at Croesyceili-og School.

His career highlight so far was becoming junior world champion in October last year.

That tournament was in Bangalore so October’s return trip to India will hold no fears for the youngster.

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get out there,” said Duke.

“I got the qualifying standard two months ago but only had the confirmation this week.

“It will be tough competition but the experience will be good for 2012,” he added.

“I watched Gareth win his medals and I’d love to do the same. Gold in London would be to die for!”

British disability team manager Gerwyn Owen said: “Kyron is still a junior and still developing. The event in Delhi is an open weight classification and he’ll be up against some world class lifters but it will be vital for his development. The experience will be great in the build up to London, which is the long-term aim for Kyron.”

The Commonwealth Games powerlifting events will take place over 10 days in the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex in Delhi – part of the tournament’s main venue which will also host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the full athletics programme.

Up to 8,000 competitors from 71 countries – including up to 200 Welsh athletes – will compete in 17 sports in the 2010 Games from October 3-14.

The tournament is the only multi-sport international event in which Wales competes as a country in its own right, and Welsh athletes hold 15 current Commonwealth Games records.