As the sun set on Birmingham’s exhilarating 2022 Commonwealth Games, legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne serenely concluded what many deemed a triumphant spectacle, igniting widespread euphoria across the city and Commonwealth nations. With the Games costing a staggering £800 million, thus becoming the UK’s priciest sports event since the 2012 Olympics, calls for reform to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness grew louder.
With the upcoming 2026 Games in jeopardy after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew, Glasgow has stepped forward, promising a reimagined event. The Scottish city, which hosted the Games in 2014, will present a streamlined programme featuring only 10 sports contested across four venues. “This Games is about the resetting and reframing for the future,” stated Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Katie Sadleir.
In Glasgow 2026, participants will engage in athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, netball, weightlifting, judo, bowls, and 3×3 basketball. However, the decision to slim down the sports roster means twelve beloved disciplines from Birmingham 2022, including hockey, squash, and wrestling, have been cut.
The loss of these sports has sparked disappointment, particularly for traditionalists. Diving, a staple since 1930, has been excluded due to the absence of a dedicated venue, while hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh expressed regret: “It is really disappointing and a reflection of where we are as a sport.”
Indian competitors, who excelled at Birmingham 2022, face a substantial setback as 98 of their 210 athletes competed in axed events. This leads to concerns regarding diminishing opportunities for minority sports, which are integral for showcasing talent and securing investment. Sanjay Mishra, general secretary of the Badminton Association of India, labelled the cuts as a conspiracy against India’s rising sporting potential.
However, not all news is bleak; sports like netball, which lacks Olympic status, have secured their place in the Games, offering motivation for young athletes. Niamh McCall of Scotland expressed her jubilation about netball’s inclusion, highlighting its significance for inspiring future generations and providing a platform for women’s sports.
Notably, the Games will continue to shine a light on Para sports, ensuring inclusion with multiple events scheduled. Despite the disappointments, there remains a glimmer of hope as officials stress that the reduction is not set in stone. CGF chief executive Sadleir emphasised that the sport selection may vary with each Games, hinting at adaptability in future events.
As murmurs of concerns about the Commonwealth Games’ future linger, voices like Fred Sirieix express apprehension, questioning its sustainability. Nevertheless, optimism is reflected in comments from Conal Heatley, who noted a mature response from impacted sports, offering reassurance that the Games can evolve and rejuvenate after this period of recalibration.
Glasgow will host a streamlined 2026 Commonwealth Games featuring only 10 sports, following the costly success of Birmingham 2022. The loss of 12 events has drawn disappointment, especially from traditionalists and athletes from nations like India. Despite the setbacks, netball’s inclusion and an ongoing commitment to Para sports provide a hopeful outlook for the future of the Games.
The Commonwealth Games are transitioning into a new era as Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 edition with a reduced sports roster to ensure sustainability and efficiency. While the cuts have left traditional sports feeling sidelined, there remains hope for adaptation and future inclusion. The Games aim to remain a vibrant platform for athletes, fostering inclusivity and inspiring future generations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
