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 return the Games to Glasgow, it was clear that the program to financially support the event.

The organization considers all the athletes, staff and officials who will be missed and the organization stated that hockey is a core sport at the Commonwealth Games.

A spokesman said the sport has been included in every Games since its debut in Kuala Lumpur 1998, and argued that the National Hockey Center in Glasgow became part of the Glasgow Games in 2014. The arena has a history of hosting international events.

Hockey Scotland chief executive Derek Keir said: “Hockey enjoys the representation of a great diversity of people and nations across the Commonwealth and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside other nations of the Commonwealth and the FIH.

“Basically we are very 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 sporting program does not affect or set a precedent for the sport’s position at future Games.

Keir added: “Scottish hockey is looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 with international teams competing at the top of our sport. Our athletes, staff and officials are performing on the biggest stages in international hockey and we look forward to encouraging them while proudly flying the flag of Scotland.”

PHOTO: Scotland Women in action at the National Hockey Center in Glasgow at a recent international. image Nigel Duncan

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