Scottish Hockey 'deeply disappointed' to miss out on scaled-down Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Scottish Hockey has said it is “deeply disappointed” after receiving confirmation that the sport will not be included in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The city will host a scaled-down version of the Games after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew last year.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the event will run from Thursday, July 23, to Sunday, August 2 and will feature a ten-sport programme across four venues within an eight-mile corridor.

More than 500,000 tickets will be made available for spectators.

Athletics and swimming will be among the compulsory sports for 2026, as will track cycling, gymnastics, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and 3×3 basketball.

Six of those sports—athletics, swimming, track cycling, weightlifting, bowls, and basketball—will also have integrated para events.

Rugby, triathlon, hockey, T20 cricket, badminton, and rugby events are among the sports missing out compared to the 2022 Games in Birmingham.

Scottish Hockey said it was “hugely disappointed” after having participated in every previous Games.

It comes after the development of the Glasgow National Hockey Centre as part of the 2014 Games.

Scottish Hockey CEO Derek Keir said: “We are deeply disappointed that hockey won’t feature in Glasgow 2026.

“Hockey enjoys representation from a wide diversity of people, and Commonwealth nations, and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside a number of other Commonwealth Nations and the FIH.

“Fundamentally we are so disappointed for our players, officials, and support staff who will miss out on the experience.

“Scottish Hockey is looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 with international teams participating at the top end of our sport.

“Our athletes, staff and officials are performing on the biggest stages in international hockey and we look forward to cheering them on as they proudly fly the flag for Scotland.”

Squash and diving are also among the other sports to miss out.

The World Squash Federation and Scottish Squash said the sport’s exclusion was “deeply disappointing”, with a joint statement reading: “This decision is particularly frustrating for Scotland’s and the Commonwealth’s top squash players, who work tirelessly to represent their countries at major games.

“WSF and Scottish Squash remain committed to supporting these athletes by providing the best competitive opportunities to enhance their skills and proudly represent their countries.

“Representatives of the WSF and Scottish Squash have received assurances that this decision for a condensed event in 2026 will not impact the inclusion of squash into future Commonwealth Games.”

Speaking after the event was confirmed, Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive Jon Doig OBE, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”