Commonwealth Games 2026 Likely in Scotland, May Reduce Sporting Disciplines to 10 – News18

The 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games could see the international multi-sport event reduce the number of sporting events. It is suggested that the event would see 10 sporting disciplines which is far less than the compulsory events as prescribed by the Commonwealth Federation.

Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) provided a statement which revealed a cost-effective and sustainable concept which would not make use of public investment. Since Victoria pulled out of hosting the event, they would have to pay compensation for their withdrawal.

This would cover a majority of the expenses that would be incurred for hosting the event in Glasgow. These expenses include:

• The cost of running the games amounts to £100 million while the remainder of the expense would be run through commercial opportunities.
• A Multi-million-pound investment to upgrade the sporting facilities.
• City activation projects across Glasgow

To maintain the cost-effective approach, CGS has also suggested minimising the Games to 10 sports which would also reduce the number of athletes and staff.  They have also suggested a four-venue model which would be close to each other to reduce transportation and security costs too.

“The Games will undoubtedly look and feel different to the historic events of 10 years ago. However, the circumstances facing us are remarkably different – the 2026 Games hang in the balance and the UK finances are facing tough decisions. But the Games presents a real opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland, giving us the chance to bring wide-ranging benefits to the country and public purse,” a statement by Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Ian Reid CBE read.

The CWF originally mandated that there be a total of 20 disciplines. These include Aquatics (Swimming), Aquatics (Swimming Para), Athletics, Athletics (Para), Badminton, Cycling (Road), Boxing, Gymnastics (Artistic), Hockey

(Men and Women), Judo, Lawn Bowls, Lawn Bowls (Para), Netball (Women), Rugby Sevens (Men & Women), Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Powerlifting (Para), and Wrestling (Freestyle).

“Scotland has been offered £100m+ of the Victorian Government’s money to secure the future of the Commonwealth Games. That is £100m+ of inward investment at a time when there are critical works needed in the city; that investment alone would account for 5% of the overall inward investment into Scotland over the past year. To potentially turn down such a significant sum of money, which only serves to boost the Glasgow and Scottish economies and has been deliberately created not to rely on the public purse at a time of economic uncertainty, is – in our opinion – short-sighted,” he added.

“We are confident of delivering a world-class sporting event to packed crowds in Glasgow, with some of the world’s sporting stars providing inspirational moments for the millions of spectators in Scotland, the UK and across the Commonwealth,” Reid said.