Sports
TRACK cycling and boxing are among the events that will be included in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, it has been revealed.
A stripped-back programme of 10 sports, announced on Tuesday, also includes athletics and swimming as mandatory – but badminton and hockey have been dropped.
The Games, last held in Glasgow in 2014 at a cost of over £540m, will be held across across four venues between 23 July and 2 August 2026.
Glasgow stepped in to host after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out because of rising costs.
A total of 3,000 of athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are expected to compete at the 2026 Games.
The event will also feature “fully integrated para-competitions” across six of the selected sports.
Katie Sadleir, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), said: “The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.”
First Minister John Swinney said the event is an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.
He said: “While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the games.”
What sports are included?
The CGF said the a number of factors, including “universality of participation and quality of competition” as well as local appeal were considered when deciding what sports to include.
The last time the Games were in Glasgow, 17 sports were contested – this time they will feature 10 sports:
- 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
Organisers said they understand that fans and athletes of sports not included will be “incredibly disappointed” but that these games will not influence future inclusion.
Some sports such as cycling and gymnastics have had their disciplines slimmed down.
The cycling programme for Glasgow 2014 included mountain biking and road races but this time athletes will only compete on the track.
In gymnastics, there is no room for any rhythmic events, with only artistic gymnastics being included.
There will also be no diving competitions.
Hockey has been dropped from the programme despite a national hockey centre being built for the last Glasgow Games.
There will be no road-based events such as the triathlon or marathon on the programme – these were previously free for spectators to attend in 2014.
Rugby sevens, which was previously hosted at Ibrox Stadium is also out and there will be no racquet sports at all.
The event will feature an opening and closing ceremony and there will be some form of King’s baton relay before the Games. – BBCSport
A.I
Oct. 22, 2024
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