The upcoming Commonwealth Games, set to take place in Glasgow this July, signifies a remarkable recovery for one of the largest multi-sport events in the world and heralds a new era for athletes from Fiji. Initially meant to be hosted by Victoria, Australia, the 2026 Games faced chaos when the Victorian government withdrew in 2023 due to soaring costs projected to exceed A$7 billion. However, Glasgow stepped in to host a more streamlined and budget-conscious edition of the Games.
Glasgow, which successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014, is preparing to welcome approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations from July 23 to August 2. The city aims to deliver a “lighter and leaner” Games with an estimated budget of between £130 million and £150 million, funded primarily through settlement money from Victoria. Featuring only 10 sports—significantly reduced from the previous Games in Birmingham—this edition will be the smallest since 1994, adapting to the current financial landscape.
The sports included in the programme are athletics, swimming, boxing, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, lawn bowls, netball, weightlifting, and the newly popular 3×3 basketball format. Notably, para-sports are significantly integrated, with events like wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, para-swimming, and para-bowls being prominently featured. This inclusion promises to create one of the most comprehensive para-sport offerings in Commonwealth Games history, with over 200 gold medals available.
For Fiji, the exclusion of rugby sevens—a sport deeply embedded in the nation’s identity—and a consistent source of medals marks a significant change. The Fijian teams secured silver medals in both men’s and women’s categories during the Birmingham 2022 Games, but this year will rely on individual sports for success. Fiji has a storied history at the Commonwealth Games, first participating in 1938 and accumulating a total of 23 medals across its history, including successes in boxing, judo, and weightlifting.
To prepare for Glasgow, Fiji’s Chef de Mission, Ajay Ballu, will lead a team of around 72 athletes in eight sports: athletics, para-athletics, swimming, boxing, judo, lawn bowls, weightlifting, and 3×3 basketball. Despite not qualifying for netball and lack of representation in several other sports, Fiji’s athletes are gearing up for the challenge. Recent training camps and competitions are designed to hone their skills and readiness, with weightlifting efforts highlighted by a recent gold medal achievement at the Commonwealth Championships.
Among the notable athletes is Taniela Rainibogi, who already secured a bronze medal in Birmingham and aims for further glory in Glasgow after winning gold in India at the Commonwealth Championships. Additionally, emerging swimmers David “Tolu” Young and Anahira McCutcheon bring enthusiasm and international experience to the competition, with both having recently competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games for Fiji presents both a hurdle and an opportunity, redirecting focus toward individual competitors striving for distinction absent rugby sevens. As part of the lead-up to the Games, Fiji will host the King’s Baton Relay from February 25 to March 2, 2026, showcasing the nation’s culture and spirit while carrying King Charles III’s message to the Commonwealth. This event, with a baton designed by local artisans, will highlight Fiji’s creativity and traditions during the Games’ opening ceremony.