SHAH ALAM - The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature a significantly reduced sports lineup, cutting key disciplines where Malaysia has traditionally excelled. With sports such as badminton, squash, and diving removed, Malaysia's medal prospects face a challenging road ahead.
12 Sports Cut from the 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the 2026 Games, set to take place from July 23 to August 2, will feature a streamlined programme. The number of sports has been reduced from 19 in 2022 to just 10 for 2026. This decision was driven by financial constraints after Australia withdrew from hosting the event.
The 12 axed sports are:
- Badminton
- Diving
- Squash
- Rhythmic gymnastics
- Table tennis
- Field hockey
- Rugby sevens
- Road cycling
- Mountain biking
- Triathlon
- Beach volleyball
- Wrestling
Impact on Malaysia’s Medal Chances
Malaysia has historically performed well in several of these sports. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Malaysia secured 14 medals, including four gold, from events now removed from the 2026 lineup—specifically badminton, squash, diving, rhythmic gymnastics, and table tennis.
The removal of these sports presents a significant challenge to Malaysia’s chances of replicating that success. However, sports such as weightlifting, para powerlifting, lawn bowls, judo, and track cycling, where Malaysia has also had strong performances, remain in the programme. At the 2022 Games, Malaysian athletes earned eight medals, including three gold, from these retained sports.
What Will Be Included in Glasgow 2026?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a 10-sport programme, much leaner than previous editions. The confirmed sports are:
- Athletics and Para Athletics (Track and Field)
- Swimming and Para Swimming
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling
- Netball
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
- Boxing
- Judo
- Bowls and Para Bowls
- 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball
This new list stressed traditional, high-profile sports, reducing opportunities for disciplines like rhythmic gymnastics and squash, where Malaysia has consistently performed well.
Why the Cutbacks?
The reduction in sports disciplines aims to create a more financially sustainable Commonwealth Games. After Victoria, Australia, withdrew from hosting due to rising costs, Glasgow stepped in with a streamlined proposal. The 2026 Games will operate across four venues to minimise expenses, as explained by the CGF.
"By consolidating events at fewer sites, we can achieve significant budget savings through reduced costs associated with venue hire, branding, security, and transportation," the CGF stated.
The four chosen venues for Glasgow 2026 are:
- Scotstoun Stadium
- Tollcross International Swimming Centre
- Emirates Arena, including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
- Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
What This Means for Future Games
The cuts to the 2026 programme do not necessarily set a precedent for future Commonwealth Games. Organisers have emphasised that future hosts will still have the flexibility to adapt the sports programme based on their financial and logistical capabilities.
As the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow after 12 years, the leaner version will present new challenges and opportunities for athletes worldwide. For Malaysia, however, the absence of traditionally strong disciplines may reduce the chances of shining on the podium.