Latest news with #BritishEmpireGames
The Herald Scotland
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: Latest News, Interviews and Update
First held in 1930 in the city of Hamilton, Canada, as the British Empire Games, the multi-sport competition involves athletes from the Commonwealth nations and territories. Read on for all the latest Commonwealth Games news, interviews and updates. Latest Commonwealth Games news As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest Commonwealth Games news stories. 'It's not just elite sport in Glasgow that's under threat' Glasgow 2014 didn't increase participation? Of course it didn't 'Up in the air': Parents react to Glasgow School of Sport decision When and where the next Commonwealth Games will be held at The upcoming Commonwealth Games will be held next year in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2. A total of 74 countries are set to compete across four sport venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Events will also be held at the Scottish Event Campus, including the Hydro, SEC Armadillo, and SEC Centre. The 2026 games were originally set to be held in the Australian state of Victoria, but the government unexpectedly withdrew in July last year after costs hit £3.13 billion - more than double the £1.4bn budgeted. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow was in 2014, with Commonwealth Sport describing it as "one of the most successful Games ever" on its website. Giant, dancing teacakes were one of the highlights of the opening ceremony (Image: Richard Heathcote) It also marked the biggest-ever number of Para-Sports Medals in Commonwealth Games History, with 22 Medal events in total. What games are in the Commonwealth Games The upcoming 2026 Games are set to be a more pared-back version of the 2014 event with just 10 sports on display - down from the 18 showcased in 2014. These are: 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball, artistic gymnastics, athletics and para athletics (track & field), bowls and para bowls, boxing, cycling track and para cycling track, judo, netball, swimming and para swimming, weightlifting and para powerlifting. A total of 10 sports will be featured at the upcoming 2026 Games (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA) Commonwealth Sport said it was also the biggest-ever number of Para-Sports Medals in Commonwealth Games History, with 22 Medal events in total. Commonwealth Games countries The Commonwealth is a voluntary group of 54 sovereign nations. When the Games were first held in Hamilton in 1930, 11 countries sent 400 athletes. The nations were Australia, Bermuda, British Guyana, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales. Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow in 2014 (Image: SNS) The number of participating countries and territories has increased ever since. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a total of 72 countries and territories participated.
Reuters
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Commonwealth jackpot as seven nations battle for future Games
LONDON, April 16 - Commonwealth sport has hit the jackpot with seven nations across four continents jostling to host future editions of the Commonwealth Games, as the race for the prestigious centennial 2030 celebration heats up. Canada, India, and Nigeria had already publicly thrown their hats into the 2030 ring, with two mystery nations also now in the mix, the governing body said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, two additional expressions of interest target future Games, including New Zealand, which has set its sights on 2034. "We are thrilled with the incredible interest from around the Commonwealth," CEO Katie Sadleir said on Wednesday. "This positive response from four of our six regions underlines the importance and significance of the Commonwealth Games and its position as the major multi-sport event in the world sporting calendar alongside the Olympic Games and Paralympics." The flurry of interest follows a challenging period for the event after Australia's Victoria state withdrew as 2026 hosts, citing cost concerns. Scotland stepped in with Glasgow taking the reins for 2026. "We cannot understate the hugely significant role Scotland has played in this change," Sadleir added. "Glasgow 2026 will be a bridge to the Games of tomorrow – an important first step in our journey to reimagine and redefine the Games." Commonwealth Sport launched a new collaborative selection process in January, moving away from traditional bidding to allow potential hosts more flexibility and innovation. "Considering the high level of interest, we will now discuss each submission further," said Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance. The next five months will see candidates developing detailed proposals, with Commonwealth Sport aiming to recommend a 2030 host for approval at its General Assembly in Glasgow in November 2025. The new hosting framework promises reduced costs, flexible programming, and continued commitment to Para sports, with organisers hoping the reimagined model will enable more diverse nations to stage the Games in future. The Commonwealth Games, first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games in Hamilton, Canada, brings together athletes from Commonwealth nations and territories every four years. The event has grown to feature over 70 teams competing in more than 20 sports, with the most recent Games held in Birmingham, England in 2022.
