The Commonwealth Games Federation has announced a significant reduction in the sports lineup for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland.
The updated schedule has eliminated 13 sports, including high-profile disciplines such as hockey, cricket, wrestling, and badminton.
All in all 13 sports that have been eliminated are field hockey, cricket, rugby sevens, diving, badminton, beach volleyball, road cycling, mountain biking, rhythmic gymnastics, squash, table tennis/para-table tennis, triathlon/para-triathlon, and wrestling.
This decision comes in light of the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, as the original host due to escalating costs.
Overview of Changes
- Streamlined Sports Program: The number of sports has been cut from 22 to just 10, focusing on essential events to manage costs effectively. The remaining sports include athletics, swimming, and gymnastics, among others.
- Impact on Popular Sports: The exclusion of hockey, cricket, wrestling, and badminton marks a notable shift in the Commonwealth Games. These sports have traditionally attracted significant viewership and participation.
Specific Top Sports Affected
- Hockey: Once a staple of the Commonwealth Games, hockey’s removal is seen as a blow to its popularity in the region. The sport has a rich history in Commonwealth competitions but will not feature in 2026.
- Cricket: Cricket’s absence highlights a growing trend where traditional formats are being reconsidered for inclusion in multi-sport events. Despite its immense popularity globally, logistical and financial concerns may have influenced this decision.
- Badminton: Badminton’s removal is particularly surprising given its strong following and competitive nature within Commonwealth nations. The sport has produced numerous champions and contributed significantly to the games’ appeal.
Reasons Behind the Cuts
The decision to streamline the sports lineup is primarily driven by financial constraints and logistical challenges following Victoria’s withdrawal.
The estimated costs for hosting had soared beyond $6 billion, prompting Glasgow to step in with a more economical approach.
While these sports have been dropped for 2026, there is hope that they may return for future editions of the Games. Commonwealth Games Australia is exploring options to support these sports during this transition period.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a revised lineup of sports, including athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para-track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para-powerlifting, boxing, judo, lawn bowls, and para-lawn bowls, as well as 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. This streamlined selection aims to enhance the event’s focus while managing costs effectively.
