The countdown to Glasgow is on. In just three weeks, Team Singapore will compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games — and with the Games scheduled from 23 July to 2 August in Scotland’s largest city, Singapore’s athletes are entering the final stages of preparation for one of the most eagerly anticipated multi-sport events on the calendar.
For the first time in the Games’ modern history, Glasgow 2026 features a deliberately streamlined, affordable 10-sport programme — and the choices made by Commonwealth Games organisers have thrown up some interesting challenges and opportunities for Singapore.
A Leaner, Greener Games
Glasgow 2026 will feature just 10 sports: Athletics, Swimming, Gymnastics, Boxing, Cycling, Weightlifting, Netball, Bowls, Judo, and 3×3 Basketball. Notably absent from the programme are several sports in which Singapore has historically been competitive — shooting, table tennis, badminton, and squash have all been left out of this edition’s schedule.
This pared-back format is a deliberate choice by Commonwealth Games organisers seeking a more sustainable and cost-effective model, and it comes alongside an unprecedented commitment to Para sport: a record 47 Para medal events will be contested across six integrated disciplines, making Glasgow 2026 the most inclusive edition of the Games to date. The opening ceremony will be held on 23 July at the OVO Hydro, with the closing ceremony on 2 August marking the formal handover to Ahmedabad, host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Where Singapore Can Shine
With table tennis, shooting, and badminton off the table, Singapore will need to look to its athletes in Athletics, Swimming, Gymnastics, and 3×3 Basketball to carry the flag at Glasgow. And there is genuine reason for optimism.
In Athletics, Veronica Shanti Pereira and Calvin Quek Jun Jie — both finalists for the 2026 Singapore Sports Awards Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year — represent Singapore’s best hopes on the track. Veronica, Singapore’s fastest woman, has spent years competing at the highest level and the Commonwealth Games stage suits her perfectly. With no shooting medal pipeline to fall back on, the sprinters will be under the spotlight more than ever before.
In the pool, Singapore Aquatics has been enjoying a productive period. Gan Ching Hwee — a finalist for Sportswoman of the Year — as well as the Quah siblings (Ting Wen and Jing Wen) and Julia Yeo Shu Ning are among those who could make their mark in Glasgow’s aquatics programme. Swimming has long been a bright spot for Singapore at the Commonwealth Games, and the condensed 10-day schedule means athletes will need to be at peak fitness from the very first day.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline is Singapore’s 3×3 Basketball team, who were nominated for Team of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards following their performances in 2025. The 3×3 format is a fast, physical, and wildly entertaining version of the game — and it will be making its Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2026. Singapore’s men have invested significantly in 3×3 in recent years, and this could be a breakthrough moment for the sport locally.
Backing for the Athletes
Support for Team Singapore is strong ahead of Glasgow. The Singapore National Olympic Council recently announced a landmark five-year partnership with global fintech company EFGH, with the collaboration specifically designed to support athletes competing at major Games — beginning with Glasgow 2026 and running through to the 2030 Ahmedabad Commonwealth Games. The partnership also introduces meritorious awards for coaches, recognising the often-unsung contributions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Singapore has won 109 medals at the Commonwealth Games over its long history in the competition, placing the nation 13th in the all-time medal table. Glasgow presents a different kind of challenge — a narrower programme that removes some of the nation’s most reliable medal-producing sports — but the athletes heading to Scotland will be no less motivated for it.
With just weeks to go, the focus now turns to peaking at the right time. The Commonwealth Games brings together 74 nations and territories under the banner of friendly competition, but make no mistake — every athlete wants to stand on that podium in Glasgow. For Team Singapore, the road to Scotland is almost complete. The hard work starts now.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games takes place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Follow LBRD Sports for full coverage of Team Singapore’s campaign.
