Golf in and judo out for Commonwealth Games 2026

Photo: 123RF

Golf, coastal rowing and BMX are set to make a Commonwealth Games debut in Victoria, Australia in 2026.

The full programme for the Games features 20 sports and 26 disciplines, including nine fully integrated Para sports.

3×3 basketball and women’s T20 cricket return after first being played at the Games in Birmingham this year.

Shooting is back on the programme after being dropped for Birmingham.

Mountain bike cross country is part of a cycling programme that includes track cycling and para track cycling which were originally left off the list of sports for the next Games.

Westling, judo and rhythmic gymnastics are the sports that miss out in 2026.

Husband and wife judoka Jason Koster and Moira de Villiers. NZ Judo selection for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive officer Nicki Nicol said it was exciting to have new sports and disciplines in the mix, attracting new athletes and sporting communities.

With the Games just across the Tasman, Nicol said she was expecting a strong New Zealand presence on and off the field of play.

“A Southern Hemisphere Commonwealth Games is fantastic for New Zealand athletes and sport, providing better travel, time-zones and training opportunities.

“We’ve just seen the New Zealand Team create history in Birmingham and I know family, friends and supporters of our team will be looking forward to Victoria 2026.”

The programme has been created under the new Commonwealth Games Federation Strategic Roadmap which invites future hosts to explore innovative concepts, including multi-city hosting and tailored sports programmes.

It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 600 fulltime equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.

Full List of Sports:

Aquatics (Swimming, Para Swimming & Diving)

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)

Golf

Gymnastics (Artistic)

Hockey

Lawn Bowls & Para Lawn Bowls

Netball

Rugby Sevens

Shooting & Shooting Para Sport

Squash

Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis

Triathlon & Para Triathlon

Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting