Part of the world sports community has expressed some disappointment and resignation at the exclusion of 12 sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, to be held in Glasgow, as the organization itself reported on Tuesday, from July 23 to August 2. Among the most prominent sports that have been removed from the program are rugby sevens, field hockey and cricket, generating a wave of criticism, especially from rugby bodies. “It is a great loss for the players and fans,” said World Rugby, although they also acknowledged that they understand the exceptional circumstances of these shortened Games.
The decision to eliminate these sports was made as part of a plan by Glasgow to save the competition following the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, as a host due to inflated costs. While traditional sports such as athletics and swimming have been included, the more popular team sports have been removed, leading to significant frustration among athletes who had hoped to compete in what will be a minimized version of the event.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, said that the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow represent a “great opportunity for sport in Scotland and for its citizens, as well as an exciting and inclusive sporting program”. He also highlighted the event’s potential as a “cultural celebration” and thanked the “organizations involved for their collaboration in securing the Games,” underlining “the Scottish Government’s commitment to working together to ensure a sustainable and successful future for the event.”
REDUCED FORMAT TO ENSURE VIABILITY
Organizers in Glasgow have reduced the program from 22 sports to just 10, including athletics, swimming, 3×3 basketball, artistic gymnastics, boxing, judo, netball, track cycling and weightlifting. These will be held at four existing venues, a strategy to minimize the cost of the event. The city of Glasgow will take advantage of facilities used at the 2014 Games, such as Scotstoun Stadium for athletics, the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome for track cycling, and the Tollcross swimming center.
The decision to reduce the program so much responds to the need for a more sustainable approach. The Glasgow authorities have made it clear that no public funds will be used to host these Games, with the costs covered mainly by the £190 million (approx. 228 million euros) compensation paid by Victoria after withdrawing from the organization. In addition, participants will be housed in existing infrastructure, rather than an Olympic village complex.
THE IMPACT OF THE DECISION ON THE TEAMS CONCERNED
The elimination of team sports has left many athletes disappointed. The Australian rugby sevens team, which had won the gold medal at Birmingham 2022, lamented not being able to defend its title. In addition, sports organizations such as Squash Australia and Volleyball Australia have called the decision devastating for their athletes, who had hoped to compete in Glasgow. “It’s a tough blow for our players,” said Robert Donaghue, chief executive of Squash Australia.
Despite these reactions, some sports federations have enthusiastically welcomed their inclusion in the Games. Netball Australia, for example, praised the decision to include netball in the program, highlighting the importance of the sport in Commonwealth countries. Stacey West, chief executive of Netball Australia, said the decision underlined the strength of the sport in the region.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Glasgow 2026 represents a paradigm shift in the organization of sporting events of this magnitude, with a more austere and sustainable approach. This model, according to the organizers, could pave the way for smaller cities to host the Commonwealth Games in the future, something that previously would have been unfeasible. Organizers also hope that this new version of the Games will leave a lasting sporting, economic and social legacy for the city.
Looking to the future, the Commonwealth Games Federation has made it clear that the exclusion of some sports in 2026 does not set a precedent and that they expect them to return in future editions, such as 2030. However, it remains to be seen how this reduced edition will affect the global perception of one of the Commonwealth’s most important sporting events.
