Shooting returns, wrestling is dropped from the Commonwealth Games in 2026, and golf will make its debut
Shooting and para-shooting will return to the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 2026 after missing out on the just finished Birmingham 2022 edition.
However, wrestling and archery are still missing from the Commonwealth Games Federation’s list of sports announced on Wednesday. In the history of the Commonwealth Games, shooting has been one of India’s most successful sports activities.
On October 4, the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Andrews Labor Government, and Commonwealth Games Australia released a list of spots, including debutants, for the Games in 2026.
From March 17 to March 29, 2026, Victoria 2026 will take place, with four regional hubs located in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, and Gippsland to create a multi-city model that captivates the hearts and minds of people throughout Victoria.
The Commonwealth Games Federation and other pertinent international sporting federations will be consulted in order to ascertain whether Victoria 2026’s proposed addition of parasport disciplines for golf, coastal rowing, and the road (cycling) race is feasible.
The already impressive sports lineup has been expanded to include golf, three-point basketball, wheelchair basketball, coastal rowing, shooting, para-shooting, BMX racing, mountain bike cross-country, track cycling, and para-track cycling. Coastal rowing, golf, and BMX will also make their Commonwealth Games debuts.
The Commonwealth Games Federation and pertinent international sporting federations will be consulted in Victoria 2026’s proposal to add para-sport disciplines to golf, coastal rowing, and the road race to see if this is feasible.
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston remarked, “Commonwealth Games Australia is delighted with the inclusion of the new sports and disciplines for Victoria 2026 to take the Games into an exciting new age.”
“Over the next four years, this is going to motivate a whole new generation of athletes to achieve their goals. The CGA is eager to welcome the Australian athletes who will compete for glory in 2026.
The news and the inclusion of new sports in the Commonwealth Sports Movement were welcomed, according to President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Dame Louise Martin.
The extra disciplines suggested by Victoria 2026 complete an intriguing and diverse lineup, and we are happy to confirm the Sports Program for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, added Martin.
The Games are expected to be competitive and action-packed, with a wide-ranging, seamlessly integrated Para-sport Program, the world premieres of Coastal Rowing, Golf, and BMX, the reintroduction of Shooting, and the electrifying 33 Basketball. The Program is based on the CGF’s Strategic Roadmap for 2026–30, which gives hosts more freedom to suggest new sports, particularly those with unique local relevance that will improve cultural showcasing and boost community engagement.
The Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan, promised that “Victoria 2026 would deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games for all Victorians and showcase everything our state has to offer.”
The following sports are included in the Victoria 2026 Sports Program: Athletics & Para-athletics, Badminton, 3×3 basketball, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, boxing, beach volleyball, coastal rowing, Cricket T20 (Women’s), Cycling (BMX, Mountain Bike, Road, Track & Para-track), Diving, Golf, Gymnastics (Artistic), Hockey, Lawn Bowls & Para-lawn Bowls, Netball, Para-powerlifting, Rugby 7.
(source : ANI)
