What it feels like to have your sport dumped from the Commonwealth Games

The 2026 Commonwealth Games have begun in Glasgow, but amidst the excitement and competition, a sense of disappointment and uncertainty lingers among athletes whose sports were axed from the roster. Badminton, hockey, wrestling, and other events are no longer part of the lineup.

For Anabelle Smith, a bronze medalist in women’s synchronized 3m springboard at the Glasgow 2014 Games, being part of the Australian team’s connection and belonging squad is bittersweet. She has witnessed firsthand the disappointment among divers who have had to adjust to new circumstances. “It made sense they weren’t just gonna ship the divers up to Edinburgh, disappointing but they’ll power on and look ahead now,” she said in an interview with ABC Sport.

The decision to drop sports like table tennis and hockey is notable given their rich history within the Commonwealth Games. Table tennis has been a core sport since 2002, while hockey has been a staple since 1998. Both have produced standout performances, with Australia’s Kookaburras winning all seven men’s gold medals in hockey since 1998.

The contrast between the dropped sports and those that remained is striking. Field hockey requires bespoke facilities and significant space, whereas table tennis can be held in existing halls. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by organizers in balancing cost-cutting measures with preserving event diversity.

The decision to drop these sports also reflects broader trends within the Commonwealth Games. As the Games continue to evolve, there’s a growing emphasis on indoor sports, with athletics being the only outdoor event in 2026. This shift raises concerns about the long-term viability of sports like hockey and diving, which have historically been cornerstones of the Commonwealth Games.

For athletes like Melissa ‘Milly’ Tapper, who’ve dedicated their careers to competing at the Commonwealth Games, this decision is particularly unsettling. Her inclusion on the Australian team’s connection and belonging squad underscores her commitment and dedication, but also highlights the uncertainty these athletes face when their sports are dropped from the roster.

The consequences of this decision will be far-reaching, with implications for athlete development, grassroots participation, and the overall profile of these sports. As the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup approaches in Belgium and The Netherlands, Australia’s national teams will have to navigate a new reality without the Commonwealth Games as an integral part of their competitive calendar.

The axing of sports like hockey and diving serves as a reminder that the Commonwealth Games are not immune to global sport’s challenges. As organizers continue to host large-scale events, they must balance cost-cutting measures with preserving diversity and inclusivity – qualities that have long defined the Commonwealth Games.

The impact of this decision will be felt for years to come, and it’s essential to assess what this means for the future of these sports and the Commonwealth Games. Anabelle Smith’s words – “It made sense they weren’t just gonna ship the divers up to Edinburgh…” – offer a glimpse into the uncertainty that athletes face, but also underscore the resilience of those who’ve dedicated their lives to competing in these events.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be remembered not only for the excitement and competition on the field but also for the uncertainty and challenges that have been left in its wake.