Sports axed as slimmed-down Commonwealth Games announced for 2026

Athletics, swimming, track cycling, weightlifting, lawn bowls and 3×3 basketball are all included with para equivalents, with artistic gymnastics, netball, boxing and judo also making the cut.

Twenty two sports were due to be on the programme in the Australian state of Victoria, who pulled out in July 2023 citing rising costs.

“It was obviously a really difficult process,” said Ian Reid, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland.

“We knew there were going to be a number of sports disappointed with that final decision. We hope by securing the future of the Commonwealth Games that they will be involved in future decisions.”

Squash will feature at the Olympics for the first time at LA 2028 but has lost its place at the Commonwealth Games that it has held since 1998.

“This decision is particularly frustrating for Scotland’s and the Commonwealth’s top squash players, who work tirelessly to represent their countries at major games,” read a joint statement from the World Squash Federation and Scottish Squash.

“We remain committed to supporting these athletes by providing the best competitive opportunities to enhance their skills and proudly represent their countries.”

The lack of a diving facility in Glasgow put paid to its chances of inclusion with hockey another controversial omission. Other sports to be omitted include cricket, badminton, beach volleyball, mountain biking, rhythmic gymnastics and table tennis.

John Steele OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games England, said: “While this announcement is rightly a cause for celebration, we also acknowledge there will be disappointment for some sports and athletes who have not been included in the Games schedule for Glasgow 2026.

“They are part of the Team England family and we will support their future plans as much as we can.”

The Games will take place across four venues within an eight-mile corridor: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Scottish Event Campus. Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

Organisers and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) are heralding a new model for the event that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games.

CGF Chief Executive Katie Sadlier said: ‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.”

Steele said: “We welcome the news that Glasgow has been formally confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and we are fully supportive of our Scottish Commonwealth partners in this new-look concept for the Commonwealth Games.”