Commonwealth ‌Games Cuts Diving, Hockey, Squash for Glasgow‍ 2026

⁢ Updated⁢ June 02, 2025
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The Glasgow 2026‌ Commonwealth games will proceed without diving, hockey, ⁣squash, ‍badminton, and table tennis. Only athletics ⁣and swimming had been previously confirmed as ⁢mandatory sports. The decision has sparked disappointment among athletes and sporting ​bodies.

Diving, ‌a fixture as⁤ 1930, was ⁤excluded due to the absence of ⁤a dedicated venue.​ Scottish swimming ⁣acknowledged the challenges‍ faced by organizers. Diving Australia ⁤expressed‌ regret, ⁤emphasizing the ⁣sport’s Commonwealth⁢ heritage.

Hockey, a core sport since its introduction in 1998,⁤ also faces exclusion. Kate Richardson-Walsh, former Great Britain captain, ⁢described⁣ the decision​ as disappointing.‌ She ⁢urged reflection on how the sport can⁤ improve and maintain relevance.

Squash, badminton, and table tennis were also cut, meaning⁣ no racquet sports ‍will‍ feature in Glasgow. Nick⁢ matthew, a three-time squash gold medalist, voiced surprise, highlighting squash’s‌ tradition and high level of competition within the Commonwealth ⁣Games. ‌He also noted the absence⁤ of hockey.

Kirsty ​Gilmour, a Scottish badminton player and Glasgow 2014 silver⁣ medalist, expressed sadness⁤ for younger‌ players‍ who will miss the possibility to compete in ​a major global event.

What’s⁣ next

Affected sporting bodies and athletes are ⁢now reassessing their strategies and future ‌prospects following the announcement‍ of these significant changes ‌to the Glasgow 2026 ​Commonwealth Games program.