Commonwealth Games could have 'very different' feel in 2026

Manx team still facing some unknowns and challenges ahead of Glasgow

Those behind the Isle of Man's preparations for the next Commonwealth Games are expecting the event to have a 'very different' feel when it returns next year.

Preparations are ongoing to bring together a squad which will fly the Manx flag at the new-look games in Glasgow in 2026.

Among the changes from the previous edition in Birmingham in 2022, there will be a reduced programme of ten sports which will be held across four venues.

Team Isle of Man's Chef du Mission, Erica Bellhouse says whilst some aspects of what the games will involve have become clearer, there are still some unknowns and challenges including around the likes of athletes' qualifying standards as well as logistics relating to travel and accommodation:

When it comes to the size of the Isle of Man team in 2026, it's expected the number of competitors could be in the region of 'the mid-20s' but an exact figure is as yet unconfirmed.

The 2022 event saw the biggest ever Manx contingent with 34 athletes representing the Island across eight disciplines.

Glasgow was confirmed as the new hosts for 2026 in October last year, replacing Victoria in Australia which withdrew as hosts in July 2023, citing challenges with rising costs.

The Scottish city last held the games back in 2014.