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Writer's pictureFelix Munyika

Foloko commends CGF for ensuring the 2026 Commonwealth Games proceed as planned

Reacting to the news that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will proceed as scheduled, National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia President Alfred Foloko, expressed his gratitude and congratulated the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Commonwealth Games Scotland, and everyone involved in making the event possible. He praised the CGF leadership under newly elected President Chris Jenkins for going above and beyond to ensure that the Games will be hosted as originally planned.


"I definitely agree with the notion that the 2026 Games are a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in the Commonwealth Games Federation’s journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible, and sustainable model for the future that minimizes costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact," Foloko said.

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme, which will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.


Commenting on the decision, Foloko acknowledged the challenges faced by the CGF in organizing the event within a short time frame.


"We would have loved to see more sports on the programme, but the 10-sport offering strikes a balance between ensuring the event retains a multi-sport feel while managing athlete numbers and event costs due to the condensed timeframe to deliver these Games."


He further emphasized that one of the advantages of this sports programme is that the competition will take place within a compact four-venue model along an eight-mile (12-kilometer) corridor. This lighter and leaner format minimizes transport requirements and ensures greater accessibility and appeal for fans and spectators eager to enjoy the multi-sport action and festival atmosphere.


"In our various interactions with the CGF, they have made it clear that any decision not to include a sport in the 2026 sports programme does not impact or set a precedent for that sport’s position in future Games. All Commonwealth Games sports are very important to us, and there will be opportunities for sports to return in future editions."

Foloko pictured with Samson Mubangalala (right) former National Athletics Coach during the fundraising dinner for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Foloko pictured with Samson Mubangalala (right) former National Athletics Coach during the fundraising dinner for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

"As CGA Zambia, we understand that the reduction in the sports programme for the 2026 Games is disappointing for some of our member sports associations. However, I urge them not to worry, as this is just a decision that needed to be made to ensure the 2026 games proceed as planned. As part of a process of resetting and reframing the Games’ delivery model under the 'Commonwealth United' strategic plan, launched in June 2023. This plan prioritizes the sustainable development of the Games and the creation of new events and innovative sports properties that will diversify and strengthen the potential for more hosts, athletes, and communities to participate in and benefit from sport across the Commonwealth.


Addressing the Zambian athletes whose sports are on the 2026 programme, Foloko urged them to start preparing adequately and meet the qualifying standards for the Games.


"This is a crucial opportunity for our athletes, and we expect them to train hard and take advantage of every resource available to reach the required benchmarks. I also call upon the respective sports associations to start liaising with their international federations on technical issues related to the Games, ensuring that everything is in place well ahead of time."

Around 3,000 of the best athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, representing 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population – are expected to compete at the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Scotland from Thursday, 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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