Glasgow 2026: Sporting bodies in Scotland make feelings known over exclusion from Commonwealth Games

The city has stepped into the breach to host a scaled down version of the event after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew last year and its hosting was officially confirmed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on Tuesday, along with the 10 sports which will feature.

Athletics and swimming are included as compulsory sports alongside track cycling, gymnastics, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and 3×3 basketball. There will also be integrated para events in six of those sports – athletics, swimming, track cycling, weightlifting, bowls and basketball.

Among the sports missing out compared to the 2022 Games in Birmingham are triathlon, diving, hockey, T20 cricket, squash, badminton and rugby sevens. Diving has featured in each of the 12 editions of the Games since the inaugural event in 1930, while hockey and squash have been included in every Games since 1998.

The World Squash Federation and Scottish Squash said the sport’s exclusion was “deeply disappointing”, with a joint statement reading: “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.

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

“Representatives of the WSF and Scottish Squash have received assurances that this decision for a condensed event in 2026 will not impact the inclusion of squash into future Commonwealth Games.”

Scottish Hockey also expressed dismay at missing out, with CEO Derek Keir stating: "We are deeply disappointed that hockey won’t feature in Glasgow 2026. Hockey enjoys representation from a wide diversity of people, and Commonwealth nations, and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside a number of other Commonwealth Nations and the FIH. Fundamentally we are so disappointed for our players, officials, and support staff who will miss out on the experience.”

Triathlon Scotland, with Olympic bronze medallist Beth Potter in its ranks, also made its feelings known with CEO Steve Paige commenting: "We are extremely disappointed that triathlon will not feature. Whilst we acknowledge that a tremendous amount of work has been carried out by the team at Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) to secure the Games under difficult circumstances, Triathlon Scotland staff worked with Team Scotland and organising officials to explore various event options for the inclusion of our sport.

"As the 2026 Games will be operating under a vastly reduced budget, we recognised that triathlon in its traditional format would be unlikely. In line with the Games’ principles of innovation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability we presented a range of triathlon event formats, including Paratriathlon, to CGS in an effort to secure the inclusion of our sport. With the confirmation of four event venues only, with no road closures or use of public spaces for events, we reluctantly accept that the limited nature of these Games means that it is not possible for our sport to feature."

The CGF confirmed the event would run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, and said it would bring £100million in inward investment to the city, with Games delivery not requiring any public funding.