Hockey misses out on Commonwealth Games

Scottish Hockey is deeply disappointed after receiving confirmation that hockey will not be one of the sports at Glasgow 2026.

After Victoria, Australia, pulled out of hosting the Games in 2026, finding a solution that could sustain the Commonwealth Games was the priority and, for Scotland to bring the Games back to Glasgow, it was clear there would have to be compromise to the programme to financially deliver the event.

The organisation feels for all the athletes, staff and officials who will miss out and the organisation claimed hockey is a core sport in the Commonwealth Games.

A spokesman said the sport has been included in every Games since its debut at Kuala Lumpur 1998, and they argued that Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre was part of the Games in Glasgow in 2014. The arena has a track record of hosting international events.

Scottish Hockey CEO Derek Keir said: “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.”

The Commonwealth Games Federation is clear 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.

Keir added: “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.”

PICTURE: Scotland women in action at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre in a recent international. Picture Nigel Duncan