With the buzz of anticipation fading, the 2026 Commonwealth Games set to take place in Glasgow will look rather different from previous years. The announcement made recently confirmed the exclusion of some major sports including wrestling, cricket, hockey, badminton, and several others. This has left athletes and national sporting organizations grappling with the ramifications of such significant changes.
The Commonwealth Games will happen from July 23 to August 2, 2026, across four venues, namely the Emirates Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Scottish Event Campus, and Scotstoun Stadium. Glasgow has stepped up to host the Games after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew, citing rising costs. While the previous Games held there back in 2014 saw over 540 million pounds spent and included 17 sports, the upcoming event will focus on a trimmed-down list, featuring only ten sports.
When the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced the selected sports, mixed emotions washed over the athletics community. Included on the cut list were many fan-favorites and contenders like wrestling, which has been integral to the Commonwealth since it began. The ten sports set to be included are athletics, swimming, track cycling, gymnastics, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and 3x3 basketball. According to officials, each of these sports will also host integrated para-competitions.
Glasgow's Games will focus on the universality of participation, aiming for high competition quality. Yet, the disheartened reactions include the stark absence of sports like rugby sevens, which originated from Scotland over 130 years ago, and hockey, which has long-standing popularity across Commonwealth nations. Derek Keir, CEO of Scottish Hockey, expressed deep disappointment, noting the sport's history at the Commonwealth Games since 1988. He emphasized the significant logistical resources required and the need to minimize costs as reasons behind this exclusion.
Considered shocking by many, the decision to drop badminton and cricket has also upset faithful fans and players alike. Kirsty Gilmour, Scotland's top badminton player and medal winner from previous Games, reflected on her disappointment for both herself and younger athletes. "It’s painful to hear the decision, as it’s not just about us, but for younger players, this was supposed to be their milestone opportunity.", she explained, articulately expressing the hurt felt across the badminton community.
With the Commonwealth's scope of participation under review, the CGF said the goal behind cutting back is not to interfere with the inclusion of sports at future Games. Instead, the aim is to guarantee affordability and sustainability. The Games, this time around, seems to signal not just the end of various sporting traditions but also the beginning of a new phase focused on cutting costs and optimizing the athlete experience.
Despite the cutbacks, there’s early optimism for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with expectations supporting up to 3,000 athletes from 74 nations. Ticket sales are projected to exceed 500,000, which the CGF hopes will bolster Glasgow's tourism and local economy significantly, potentially generating £150 million worth of benefits. If all goes to plan, this revised format could pave the way for future Commonwealth Games, marking this as not just any Games, but one where adaptation leads to new beginnings.
A snapshot of the sporting program reveals what events fans will get to soak up: athletics is set to be nearly all-inclusive with both able-bodied and para-athletes competing, alongside swimming, track cycling, and gymnastics. Further, the addition of 3x3 basketball is aimed at engaging newer audiences and enhancing sports integration. This adjusted roster highlights Glasgow's approach: keeping the festive spirit alive, all the whilst managing the economic burden of hosting such significant international events.
While the Games have lost key elements from previous iterations, stakeholders are adamant they will still showcase athletic prowess and diversity. Ian Reid, chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, observed the delicate challenges faced when selecting the final sports list, reiteritating the necessity for affordability without compromising the essence of the Games.
The organizational developments have rejuvenated dialogue around future Commonwealth Games hosting. Authorities deem the necessity to develop models fostering sustainability and collaboration more than ever before, maintaining relevance and appeal for all nations and aspiring athletes.
So, as Glasgow rolls out the red carpet for its turn at the Commonwealth Games once more, it will also light the spark for contemporary practices. Though some sports may be sidelined this time, many hope they will mark just another chapter in the storied legacy of the Commonwealth Games, underscoring resilience and adaptability. Whether this new blueprint meets mixed expectations remains to be seen, but one thing's for certain—the Games will go on, reshaped for the contemporary world.
