The Commonwealth Games Federation has officially announced the sports lineup for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, revealing a streamlined program that excludes badminton and hockey. The event is set to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, across four venues in Glasgow, following the Australian state of Victoria’s withdrawal due to rising costs.
Key Takeaways
- Event Dates: July 23 – August 2, 2026
- Total Sports: 10 sports confirmed
- Athletes Expected: Approximately 3,000 from 74 nations
- Para-Competitions: Fully integrated across six sports
Overview of Included Sports
The confirmed sports for the 2026 Commonwealth Games include:
- Athletics and Para-Athletics (Track and Field Only)
- Swimming and Para-Swimming
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Track Cycling and Para-Track Cycling
- Netball
- Weightlifting and Para-Powerlifting
- Boxing
- Judo
- Bowls and Para-Bowls
- 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball
Disappointment for Excluded Sports
The omission of badminton and hockey has sparked disappointment among athletes and fans alike. Kirsty Gilmour, a seasoned competitor, expressed her dismay, stating it was a significant blow, especially for younger athletes who might miss out on a home games opportunity. Similarly, Lisa Aitken, a squash player, lamented the loss of a platform for her sport, emphasizing the missed chance to showcase squash at a premier event.
Factors Influencing Sport Selection
The Commonwealth Games Federation considered several factors when determining the sports to include:
- Universality of Participation: Ensuring a wide range of athletes can compete.
- Quality of Competition: Prioritizing sports that promise high-level competition.
- Local Appeal: Selecting sports that resonate with the local audience.
Venue and Economic Impact
The Games will be hosted across four venues:
- Emirates Arena
- Tollcross International Swimming Centre
- Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
- Scotstoun Stadium
Organizers anticipate the event will generate approximately £150 million for Glasgow, with an estimated 500,000 tickets available for sale. The total cost of hosting the Games is projected to be around £114 million, with funding coming from various sources, including the Commonwealth Games Federation and the UK government.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, organizers remain optimistic about the upcoming Games. Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, emphasized the importance of resetting and reframing the event after a challenging year. First Minister John Swinney echoed this sentiment, highlighting the opportunity for Scottish athletes to shine on a global stage.
As Glasgow prepares to welcome athletes from around the Commonwealth, the focus will be on delivering a memorable and economically viable event, showcasing the best of Scottish hospitality and sporting talent.
