Commonwealth Games axed sports leave athletes feeling uncertain
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Diving Into Uncertainty: The Commonwealth Games’ Slippery Slope
As the 2026 Commonwealth Games got underway in Glasgow, a sense of unease settled over the sports community. Gone were the familiar faces and events that had been staples of the competition for decades – badminton, hockey, wrestling, and diving among them. Anabelle Smith’s poignant words to ABC Sport captured the essence of the situation: “obvious disappointment from the divers … but also an understanding.”
The decision to axe certain sports is nothing new. It’s a process that has been playing out for years, with organizers opting for a more streamlined event in 2026. However, watching beloved events disappear from the roster is particularly jarring. Diving, in particular, has a storied history within the Commonwealth Games, dating back to its inception in 1930. Its absence is poignant given that Glasgow lacked the facilities to accommodate it this year.
The Australian team’s connection and belonging squad – which includes Anabelle Smith and Melissa Tapper – provides insight into the psychological impact of these decisions on athletes. Smith had not been planning to defend her 3m synchro gold medal from Birmingham 2022 but is now attending as a spectator. Her words are tinged with disappointment and understanding: “It made sense they weren’t just gonna ship the divers up to Edinburgh.” The implication is that organizers didn’t have a choice, but this raises questions about the value placed on certain sports within the Commonwealth Games.
Table tennis, another sport axed from the 2026 roster, has an intriguing dynamic. While it may not be technically part of the Games, it’s still present in the team lounge at the Glasgow Argyle Hotel, where athletes and staff come to challenge each other. This blurs the lines between what constitutes a “part” of the Games and what doesn’t, raising questions about the nature of inclusivity within the competition.
The Hockeyroos’ absence from the 2026 Commonwealth Games is particularly striking, given their impressive track record in the event. Their captain, Eddie Ockenden, carried the flag at Birmingham 2022 – a testament to hockey’s standing within Australia’s Commonwealth Games movement. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Commonwealth member nations lobbied for its inclusion, but ultimately fell short.
The axing of these sports raises questions about the future of events like diving and hockey within the Commonwealth Games. Will organizers continue to prioritize indoor events over outdoor ones, as they seem to have done in 2026? Or will there be a shift towards more inclusivity and a broader range of sports? The answers lie in the decisions made by the organizers in the coming years.
As we move forward, one thing is certain – the Commonwealth Games’ future is precarious. It’s time for organizers to take stock of their priorities and consider what this means for athletes like Anabelle Smith and Melissa Tapper, who have dedicated their lives to these sports. Will they be given the platform to shine in 2026, or will we see more events disappear from the roster? Only time will tell.
The writing is on the wall: unless organizers make a concerted effort to revamp the Commonwealth Games’ priorities, we risk losing some of its most cherished traditions – and the athletes who have come to rely on them.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The real story here is not just about the axed sports, but also about the ripple effect on those who were cut from the Games' roster. With diving and table tennis off the list, it raises concerns about how these decisions impact smaller sports and emerging athletes. For instance, what does this mean for sports like taekwondo, lawn bowls, or netball? Are they next on the chopping block? It's time for the Commonwealth Games organizers to weigh the value of preserving a diverse sporting program against cost-cutting measures that sacrifice tradition and athletic opportunities.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The Commonwealth Games' decision to axe certain sports has been years in the making, but that doesn't make it any easier for athletes who've dedicated their lives to these disciplines. One aspect that's not getting enough attention is the impact on team dynamics and camaraderie. With table tennis being dropped from the roster, its absence at the event still lingers, albeit unofficially. The sport's presence in the team lounge at the Glasgow Argyle Hotel raises questions about what constitutes an official part of the Games – a grey area that organizers should be more transparent about.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
The Commonwealth Games' decision to axe certain sports raises questions about the true value placed on these events. While the article highlights the emotional impact on athletes like Anabelle Smith and Melissa Tapper, it overlooks the financial implications for sports that have been pushed out. The cost of accommodating every sport is clearly a factor, but so too are the broader marketing and sponsorship opportunities that come with a more streamlined event. As we prioritize efficiency over inclusivity, where do we draw the line?