Representatives of Scottish Hockey have said they are “deeply disappointed” at the failure to include the sport in the programme for Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Governing body Scottish Hockey said they had “lobbied hard” behind the scenes to have the sport included, meaning both men’s and women’s teams will miss out.
Hockey has been one of the featured sports at the Games since 1998, and is a popular sport in many Commonwealth countries, including England, India and Scotland.
Scotland has international teams at Senior Men and Senior Women levels, along with junior teams at under-21, under-18 and under 16 for both sexes.
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Scottish Hockey released a statement saying it recognised there would have to be a compromise to the programme to financially deliver the event.
The statement continued: “Although it’s great news that Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, we’re hugely disappointed that hockey is not included, and feel for all the athletes, staff and officials who will miss out.”
Scottish Hockey CEO Derek Keir said: “We are deeply disappointed that hockey won’t feature in Glasgow 2026. Hockey enjoys representation from a wide diversity of people, and Commonwealth nations, and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside a number of other Commonwealth Nations and the FIH. Fundamentally we are so disappointed for our players, officials, and support staff who will miss out on the experience.
“Scottish Hockey is looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 with international teams participating at the top end of our sport.
“Our athletes, staff and officials are performing on the biggest stages in international hockey and we look forward to cheering them on as they proudly fly the flag for Scotland.”
The Commonwealth Games Federation is clear that any decision not to include a sport in the 2026 sports programme does not impact or set a precedent on the sport’s position in future Games.
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