Hockey, diving and rugby among sports axed for 2026 Commonwealth Games

There were some certainties around which sports would be axed for the cut-price 2026 Comm Games but the shock was in some which made the cut.

Australia's Charli Petrov amd Australia's Melissa Wu compete in the women's synchronised 10m platform diving final on day nine of the Commonwealth Games at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham, central England, on August 6, 2022. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP)

Officials for the downsized 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland remain adamant the “drama, passion and joy” will exist despite a mass cull leaving just 10 sports on the program with 3x3 basketball a shock survivor as those axed hit out.

Netball has been saved but rugby sevens has been axed with lawn bowls another surprise stayer for the event set to be held in Glasgow after former Victorian premier Dan Andrews abandoned his state’s decision to host, citing a billion-dollar cost blowout.

Diving and road cycling, which have been a fixture of the Commonwealth Games since 1930 Empire Games and 1938 respectively, and regular providers of medals for Australia, have both been cut from the program.

Cricket has been axed for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia won gold in 2022 in Birmingham. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Hockey loses its place for the first time since 1998 while the one-off experiment with women’s T20 cricket, in which Australia captured the gold medal in Birmingham, has also been shelved.

“It is a disappointing announcement, not just for hockey but for all of the sports who have missed out in the reduced format,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

“I know I join all our Commonwealth compatriots in saying we hope this is a temporary adjustment to the Games schedule.”

Badminton, beach volleyball, cricket, mountain biking, rhythmic gymnastics, squash, table tennis and para table tennis, triathlon and para triathlon, and wrestling, which were all part of the Games in Birmingham in 2022, are all gone.

World Rugby released a statement declraing rugby sevens helped the Games remain relevant.

“While understanding the unique circumstances of the 2026 Games ... the absence of rugby sevens, along with other team sports, at Glasgow 2026 is a significant loss for players, fans, and the Games themselves,” the statement read.

“Rugby sevens was born in Scotland and has been a fixture of the Commonwealth Games since 1998 ... We firmly believe that sevens has a huge role to play in the future of a Games seeking to be more relevant and accessible to new fans, and we will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Games Federation to achieve these goals together.”

Australia won gold in men’s hockey at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Photo: Grant Treeby

The entire program of events will take place across just four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena, including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation, not the traditional, and costly, athlete’s village.

Organisers have declared the desire for a financially sustainable event, with much of the funding coming from the $300 million exit fee paid by the Victorian government, and the short turnaround time was the main reason for the trimmed-down program.

“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,” .Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig , said.

“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.”

”Only athletics and swimming were guarantee a start in Glasgow and boxing, track cycling, gymnastics, judo and weightlifting also made the cut.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Scotland from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, August 2.

SPORTS CUT FOR 2026

Cycling Mountain bike, Cycling road, Hockey, Triathlon and para triathlon, Cricket, Rugby Sevens, Squash, Beach volleyball, Diving, Shooting, Badminton

Table tennis and para table tennis, Wrestling