List of Sports in Commonwealth Games 2026: Complete Guide to Every Sport
The Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, will bring together some of the world’s best athletes for an exciting celebration of international sport. The event will feature a carefully selected programme of sports designed to showcase elite competition, accessibility, and sustainability.
Unlike previous editions with a larger number of sports, Glasgow 2026 will follow a more compact format. The organisers have focused on using existing world-class venues, reducing costs, and creating a high-quality experience for athletes and fans.
The Glasgow 2026 programme includes 10 sports, featuring both able-bodied and para-sport competitions. From athletics and swimming to boxing and cycling, the Games will provide thrilling medal battles across individual and team events.
How Many Sports Are in Commonwealth Games 2026?
The Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 will feature:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host City | Glasgow, Scotland, UK |
| Event Dates | 23 July – 2 August 2026 |
| Number of Sports | 10 |
| Competition Format | Elite and Para Sports |
| Participating Teams | Commonwealth nations and territories |
| Main Focus | Sustainable, compact sporting event |
The sports programme has been designed around four main competition venues in Glasgow, allowing athletes and spectators to experience a more connected Games.
Complete List of Sports in Commonwealth Games 2026
| No. | Sport | Competition Type |
| 1 | Athletics & Para Athletics | Track, Field and Para Events |
| 2 | Swimming & Para Swimming | Aquatic Events |
| 3 | Artistic Gymnastics | Individual and Team Events |
| 4 | Boxing | Combat Sport |
| 5 | Judo | Combat Sport |
| 6 | Netball | Team Sport |
| 7 | Bowls & Para Bowls | Precision Sport |
| 8 | Track Cycling & Para Track Cycling | Cycling Events |
| 9 | Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting | Strength Sport |
| 10 | 3×3 Basketball & 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball | Team Sport |
1. Athletics & Para Athletics
Athletics remains one of the most popular sports in the Commonwealth Games. It attracts some of the world’s fastest runners, strongest throwers, and most talented jumpers.
Athletics competitions include:
- 100 metres
- 200 metres
- 400 metres
- Middle-distance races
- Long-distance races
- Relay events
- Long jump
- High jump
- Triple jump
- Shot put
- Discus throw
- Javelin throw
Para Athletics provides opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete at the highest level. These events highlight skill, determination, and sporting excellence.
Athletics is traditionally one of the biggest medal contributors for countries such as England, Australia, Kenya, South Africa, and Jamaica.
2. Swimming & Para Swimming
Swimming is another major attraction at the Commonwealth Games. The competition features world-class swimmers competing for medals in different styles and distances.
Swimming events include:
| Swimming Style | Events |
| Freestyle | Sprint and distance races |
| Backstroke | Multiple distances |
| Breaststroke | Multiple distances |
| Butterfly | Sprint events |
| Individual Medley | Combined swimming styles |
| Relay | Team competitions |
Para Swimming is an important part of the Glasgow 2026 programme, allowing athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments to compete.
The swimming competition will showcase emerging talents as well as experienced international champions.
3. Artistic Gymnastics
Artistic gymnastics combines strength, flexibility, balance, and precision. It is one of the most visually impressive sports at the Commonwealth Games.
Gymnastics events include:
Men’s Events
- Floor exercise
- Pommel horse
- Rings
- Vault
- Parallel bars
- Horizontal bar
Women’s Events
- Vault
- Uneven bars
- Balance beam
- Floor exercise
Team Competition
Gymnasts also compete as teams, where combined scores determine rankings.
The sport requires years of dedication and attracts large audiences because of its combination of athletic ability and artistic performance.
4. Boxing
Boxing has a long history at the Commonwealth Games and has produced many legendary champions.
The competition features amateur boxing with athletes competing in different weight categories.
Boxing categories include:
- Light flyweight
- Featherweight
- Lightweight
- Welterweight
- Middleweight
- Heavyweight
- Other weight divisions
Boxers are judged on:
- Clean punches
- Technical skill
- Defence
- Accuracy
- Strategy
Countries such as India, England, Australia, Scotland, and Nigeria have traditionally performed strongly in Commonwealth boxing competitions.
5. Judo
Judo is a martial art and Olympic sport based on throws, holds, and controlled techniques.
Commonwealth Games judo competitions feature athletes divided into weight categories.
The main objective is to score points by:
- Throwing an opponent onto their back
- Controlling an opponent on the ground
- Applying technical moves
Judo promotes values such as:
- Discipline
- Respect
- Self-control
- Fair competition
The sport has grown significantly across Commonwealth nations, with athletes from countries including England, Canada, Australia, India, and Scotland competing for medals.
6. Netball
Netball is one of the most popular team sports in the Commonwealth, especially among countries such as Australia, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, and South Africa.
A netball team consists of seven players.
The objective is to score goals by shooting the ball through the opponent’s net.
Key positions include:
| Position | Role |
| Goal Shooter | Scores goals |
| Goal Attack | Attacking support |
| Wing Attack | Creates opportunities |
| Centre | Links defence and attack |
| Wing Defence | Defensive pressure |
| Goal Defence | Protects goal area |
| Goal Keeper | Stops scoring attempts |
Netball provides exciting team competition and is expected to attract large crowds in Glasgow.
7. Bowls & Para Bowls
Bowls is a traditional Commonwealth sport that requires accuracy, strategy, and patience.
Players roll biased balls toward a smaller target ball called the “jack”.
Events include:
- Singles
- Pairs
- Team competitions
Para Bowls allows athletes with disabilities to compete using adapted formats.
Bowls has strong popularity in countries including Scotland, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
8. Track Cycling & Para Track Cycling
Track cycling will be hosted at one of Glasgow’s most famous sporting venues, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Cycling events include:
- Sprint
- Team sprint
- Individual pursuit
- Team pursuit
- Time trial
- Keirin
Track cycling requires:
- Speed
- Power
- Tactical intelligence
- Exceptional fitness
Para Track Cycling allows athletes with disabilities to compete using adapted bicycles and racing formats.
The event is expected to produce some of the fastest and most exciting races of Glasgow 2026.
9. Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting
Weightlifting tests an athlete’s maximum strength and technique.
Competitors perform two main lifts:
- Snatch
- Clean and jerk
Athletes are divided into weight categories, with medals awarded based on total weight lifted.
Para Powerlifting focuses on athletes with physical disabilities and features bench press competitions.
Weightlifting has historically been a strong medal sport for nations including India, Malaysia, England, and Nigeria.
10. 3×3 Basketball & 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball
3×3 basketball is a fast-paced version of traditional basketball.
Each team has three players on the court, making the game quicker and more intense.
Key features include:
- Short matches
- Fast scoring
- One basket format
- Continuous action
3×3 Wheelchair Basketball brings the same excitement while providing an inclusive platform for athletes with disabilities.
The inclusion of wheelchair basketball reflects the Commonwealth Games’ commitment to accessibility and equality.
Sports Not Included in Commonwealth Games 2026
The Glasgow 2026 programme is smaller compared with some previous editions.
Several sports that appeared in earlier Games are not included, including:
| Sport | Previous Commonwealth Games Presence |
| Cricket | Featured in Birmingham 2022 |
| Hockey | Traditional Commonwealth sport |
| Badminton | Popular racquet sport |
| Rugby Sevens | Featured in previous editions |
| Squash | Previously included |
| Table Tennis | Previously included |
| Triathlon | Previously included |
The reduced programme allows Glasgow to deliver a more financially sustainable event while maintaining high-quality competition.
Importance of Para Sports in Glasgow 2026
Para sports are a major part of the Commonwealth Games identity.
Glasgow 2026 continues the commitment to inclusive competition by featuring para events alongside able-bodied sports.
Benefits include:
- Greater visibility for para athletes
- Increased accessibility in sport
- Inspiring future generations
- Promoting equality through competition
Key Facts About Commonwealth Games 2026 Sports
| Fact | Information |
| Total Sports | 10 |
| Para Sports Included | Yes |
| Host City | Glasgow |
| Country | Scotland, UK |
| Duration | 11 Days |
| Previous Glasgow Games | 2014 |
| Main Theme | Sustainable and inclusive sport |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many sports are in Commonwealth Games 2026?
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature 10 sports.
Which is the biggest sport in Commonwealth Games?
Athletics and swimming are traditionally among the biggest sports due to the number of athletes and medal events.
Will cricket be included in Commonwealth Games 2026?
No, cricket is not included in the Glasgow 2026 sports programme.
Are para sports included?
Yes, para sports are included as part of the official competition programme.
Which venue will host cycling?
Track cycling will take place at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
How many countries participate in Commonwealth Games?
More than 70 Commonwealth teams typically participate.
Conclusion
The List of Sports in Commonwealth Games 2026 highlights the diversity and excitement of Glasgow’s upcoming international sporting event. With athletics, swimming, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, team sports, and para competitions, the Games will showcase some of the world’s best athletes.
Although Glasgow 2026 features a smaller sports programme than previous editions, the focus on quality, sustainability, and inclusion ensures a memorable experience for athletes and fans worldwide.
The Commonwealth Games continues to represent more than competition — it celebrates friendship, diversity, and the power of sport to connect nations.