2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Confirmed - Without Shooting
On Tuesday (22 October 2024) Glasgow was officially confirmed as the hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games but this news was met tinged with sadness for the shooting community as it was also confirmed that shooting has not been selected as one of the 10 sports on the programme.
With the Games in 2026 planned to take place in a compact four-venue model within an eight-mile corridor it was also clear a full shooting programme would not be possible but this announcement means the proposal from STS to include 10m air rifle and pistol (including para) in the programme for 2026 was turned down/not chosen above other sports.
CGF have said that any decision not to include a sport in the 2026 sports programme does not impact or set a precedent on the sport’s position in future Games - it is unclear what form the Games will take beyond 2026 so whether Glasgow will mark a turning point, or simply prove a temporary anomaly in the way the Games is delivered is to be seen.
For our Scottish athletes, passionate about being able to compete on the biggest stages and getting the rare privilege to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, this is a big setback and not easy news to receive.
STS has done everything possible to try and push for the inclusion of shooting in the Games to give an outlet for our athletes but also raise the profile of the sport, in which Scotland has proud heritage of success.
Confirmation that shooting will not be included in 2026 will result in some difficult conversations being held with sportscotland around programme funding. STS will continue to do all we can to secure the best possible resources for the sport but this announcement will create some challenges.
Finally, while it is difficult to disconnect from the disappointment around the non-inclusion of shooting, it is important that in the longer term that the sport is supportive of the Games being held in Glasgow as this can only help ensure the continuation of the Commonwealth Games. STS will continue to work with CGS and other Commonwealth and Shooting bodies to push for the re-inclusion of shooting (in as many forms as possible!) at future Games in 2030 and beyond.