Rohan Chowdhury
One of the UK’s most anticipated sporting spectacles is fast taking shape, as the official session schedule for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has now been unveiled. The event, set to captivate sports fans from 23 July to 2 August 2026, will feature 3,000 athletes, representing 74 nations and territories. With over 200 medals up for grabs across 50 medal sessions, spectators are in for 10 days of non-stop action and unforgettable moments in the Scottish city.
Competitions will unfold at four of Scotland’s premier sporting venues — the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Pool, and the Scottish Exhibition Campus (SEC).
For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, a para-sport will lead the medal count. The Games will kick off on 24 July with Para-Powerlifting offering the first medal — a significant milestone for inclusivity in sport. Later, that same evening, medals will also be contested in Artistic Gymnastics, Swimming, and Para-Swimming, setting the tone for a high-energy opening day.
A number of sports will have expanded schedules this edition, offering more chances for fans to experience the action firsthand. Notably:
– Bowls and Para-Bowls will span all 10 days, marking the longest run for the sport since the 2010 Delhi Games.
– 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball will feature three more sessions than in Birmingham 2022, in response to growing global interest.
– Swimming events will include the debut of the men’s 800m freestyle and the women’s 1500m freestyle, making it the most extensive aquatic programme in Games history.
The first weekend (25–26 July) is packed with fan favourites — Netball, Boxing, 3×3 Basketball (both formats), Artistic Gymnastics, Bowls, and Swimming, all scheduled to dazzle audiences.
Athletics and Para Athletics begin on 27 July at Scotstoun Stadium, initiating six days of intense competition. A standout feature this year will be the return of the Commonwealth Mile — not held since 1966 — set to be one of the Games’ marquee events. Swimming will wrap up on 29 July, closing with evening sessions likely to provide stirring finishes and memorable podium celebrations.
From 30 July, cycling takes centre stage. The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will host Track and Para Track Cycling, including the elimination race — making its Commonwealth Games debut. Fans will enjoy more sessions than ever before, with thrilling contests of endurance, tactics, and sheer speed.
A high-octane penultimate day awaits on August1, dubbed “Super Saturday,” with medals decided in Athletics, Para Athletics, Boxing, Judo, and Track Cycling — promising a packed day both in-stadium and on screens worldwide.
The Games will come to a close on August 2 with a dramatic finale. The concluding medal of the Games will likely be awarded in either Judo or Track Cycling, depending on how the day’s events unfold — leaving room for a surprise ending to a historic edition.
Glasgow 2026 CEO, Phil Batty OBE remarked, “Glasgow 2026 will be an incredible Games. Packed full of medal moments, a brilliant platform for Para Sport, and a thrilling programme of sport across ten days. From the very first session to the last, Glasgow 2026 will deliver stand out moments to packed venues, creating sporting memories for spectators across the Commonwealth.”
He added, “Today’s session schedule sets out the biggest Para sport medal programme in Commonwealth Games history. It’s only fitting that the very first medal awarded will come from a Para Sport; a powerful statement of intent from the outset of the competition.”
Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir also noted the significance of the announcement: “The release of the Sport Schedule is another exciting milestone for Glasgow 2026, which will deliver an unforgettable celebration showcasing the best of the Commonwealth’s athletes. This refreshed and focused programme reflects the evolving spirit of the Games — more inclusive, more events in many sports and just as inspiring. It’s a major step forward as we build towards another landmark moment for Commonwealth Sport.”
With the schedule now public, fans and athletes alike can begin preparing for what promises to be one of the most vibrant and memorable sporting events in recent UK history.
Quotes via Glasgow 2026/CWG
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