The national bodies for hockey and squash in New Zealand have expressed their disappointment about their sports being cut from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
It was announced yesterday that the 2026 edition of the Games will be a pared-back version of the event. Glasgow picked up hosting rights after Victoria pulled out, leading to uncertainty about whether the Games would go ahead at all.
Hockey, squash, cricket, rugby sevens, road cycling, mountain biking and triathlon have all been left out of the 2026 event in Glasgow. The Games will feature a 10-sport programme across four venues.
In a statement, Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) said they are pleased the Games are going ahead, but at the same time, are disappointed that their sport will not feature.
"We understand the challenges faced by the organisers however we are disappointed for our athletes and fans that hockey won't be featured in the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” said HNZ chief executive Anthony Crummy.
“We have a rich and successful history in the Commonwealth Games and the Games mean a lot to New Zealand. We are hopeful that the 2030 games sees hockey return and once again be a part of this wonderful sporting event.”
The Black Sticks women’s team have won five medals at the Games, which includes a gold medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
The Black Sticks men’s team have also been successful at the Commonwealth Games, earning three medals, with two of them being silver (2002, 2018).
Squash New Zealand also expressed their disappointment in not being included for the 2026 Games.
“Today is a disappointing day for squash athletes and fans,” said Squash New Zealand CEO Martin Dowson.
“The Commonwealth Games is one of the pinnacle events for squash and our athletes love the opportunity to compete for New Zealand and be part of the New Zealand team.
“We know that the Commonwealth Games also help to highlight our sport and drive new players to try squash, so it’s a real loss for the sport that squash isn’t on the programme for Glasgow 2026.”
Kiwi squash athletes have picked up 16 medals, including eight gold, since the sports' inclusion in 1998.
Dowson acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Glasgow organisers, who stepped up to host the Games at short notice.
"We understand that the circumstances around Glasgow’s hosting have required compromises to ensure the Games go ahead, and unfortunately, not all traditional sports could be accommodated," he said.
"We share in the disappointment of other sports that have also missed out and remain hopeful that squash will return to the Commonwealth Games programme in future editions."
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol said that the announcement of the sports included in the Games is bittersweet.
“While the sports programme is a shift from past Games, we know that compromises were required in order to find a host nation following the unprecedented withdrawal by Victoria," said Nicol in a statement. "We share in the disappointment of the sports that have missed out and we hope they will be back on the programme at future editions of the Games.”
Nicol also wanted to acknowledge the efforts of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland to be able to make hard decisions to deliver a Games under difficult circumstances.
“Glasgow did a fantastic job of hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and we thank Scotland for once again putting its hand up to host.
“We look forward to returning to Scotland and representing New Zealand on the Commonwealth stage.”
2026 Commonwealth Games sports:
Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.
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