Glasgow 2026: Smaller scale, fewer sports, OCM accepts changes

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Olympic Council (OCM) has accepted Glasgow's decision to eliminate several medal-prospect sports from the upcoming Commonwealth Games as part of efforts to reduce costs and promote sustainable hosting.

OCM acknowledged Glasgow’s decision to drop sports such as badminton, diving, hockey, and squash from the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria, Australia’s withdrawal as host last year.

OCM Secretary-General Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib addressed the situation, noting the council's focus on the future of the games.

"Our primary focus is to select sports that can be conducted at the highest quality with sustainable financing. Moving forward, we need to prioritise what’s most important for the athletes and the sports,” he said.

Nazifuddin further emphasised that the 2026 edition would be more compact and efficient compared to previous games despite the removal of prominent sports.

"OCM acknowledges that Glasgow 2026 will be smaller and more efficient compared to earlier editions, even if it means sacrificing strong sports like diving, badminton, hockey, and squash,” he added.

He highlighted that the 2026 Commonwealth Games would serve as a model for collaboration and flexibility, with a focus on reducing costs, minimising environmental impact, and improving social outcomes.

The Games, scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, will mark Glasgow’s second time as host city, following its 2014 edition.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) confirmed Glasgow as the host after Malaysia declined the role due to rising costs following Victoria’s withdrawal.

In this edition, only ten sports will be contested at four venues within a 12.8-kilometre radius.

This is a reduction from the 19 sports featured in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations are expected to participate.

The confirmed sports for 2026 include athletics and para athletics, swimming and para swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para track cycling, netball, weightlifting and powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowling and para bowling, and 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball.

However, notable sports such as diving, archery, badminton, T20 cricket, hockey, rowing, rugby sevens, and squash will not be included in this edition.

OCM stated that it would engage with stakeholders, including the National Sports Council (MSN), the National Sports Institute (ISN), and National Sports Associations (PSK), to develop strategies for adapting to these changes.