Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Cuts Iconic Sports, Leaving Athletes Disappointed
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will move forward without several long-standing sports, including badminton, hockey, wrestling, road cycling, mountain biking, rhythmic gymnastics, rugby sevens, squash, table tennis, triathlon, beach volleyball, cricket, and diving.
Diving has been a fixture of the Games since 1930, and its removal marks the end of an unbroken 96-year streak. Hockey, traditionally a core sport, was also cut despite significant lobbying efforts to retain it.
Athletes react with a mix of sadness and understanding.
Australian diver Anabelle Smith, a four-time Commonwealth Games veteran, expressed disappointment but noted she will attend Glasgow 2026 as a spectator and as part of the team's connection and belonging squad. "It's disappointing, but I understand the difficult decisions that had to be made," she said.
Beach volleyballer Chris McHugh and table tennis player Melissa Tapper echoed similar sentiments. Tapper observed that table tennis remains informally present through a table in the team lounge, a small but meaningful token.
"It's disappointing, but I understand the difficult decisions that had to be made." – Anabelle Smith, Australian diver
Hockey Australia released a statement expressing deep disappointment, emphasizing that the Commonwealth Games provide a unique multi-sport opportunity for athletes. However, the organization has now shifted focus entirely to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup as the next major milestone.