Commonwealth Games Excludes Major Sports for 2026

The Commonwealth Games Federation has unveiled a significantly reduced sports program for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, dropping popular events such as cricket, hockey, wrestling, and triathlon. Only ten sports will be featured, including athletics, swimming, boxing, and judo, as part of an effort to manage costs and operational risks, following Victoria's withdrawal as host. This decision has prompted disappointment from athletes and national federations, with Flora Duffy, a gold medalist in triathlon, expressing shock over her sport's exclusion, which she believes detracts from the excitement of the Games. The budget for this edition is drastically lower at £114 million compared to the £543 million spent in 2014, emphasizing the need for financial restraint. The Games are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, across four venues, marking Glasgow's return as host after 12 years. Organizers hope this scaled-back approach will create a more manageable event while allowing for potential future inclusions of excluded sports.