As the Commonwealth Games prepare to kick off in Glasgow this July, a significant transition unfolds for Fiji and its athletes. The Games, originally slated for Victoria, Australia, faced serious jeopardy when the state withdrew due to skyrocketing costs projected to exceed A$7 billion. In response, the Commonwealth Games Federation quickly sought a new host, leading to Glasgow stepping up to fill the void in late 2024.
With Glasgow’s existing venues and a lean budget of between £130 and £150 million, this version of the Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, aims to be more financially manageable, dubbed a “lighter and leaner” event. The streamlined program will feature only 10 sports, half the number seen in Birmingham 2022, marking the smallest Commonwealth Games since 1994. Key sports include athletics, swimming, boxing, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, lawn bowls, netball, weightlifting, and the exciting 3×3 basketball format. The inclusion of para-sports is a highlight, promising one of the most inclusive programs in the event’s history.
While popular events like rugby sevens, cricket, and diving will be noticeably absent, Fiji, which has a rich history in the Commonwealth Games dating back to 1938, must adapt its approach. The country has earned 23 medals over the decades, but without their traditional strength in rugby sevens, Fiji’s medal hopes now pivot to individual sports such as weightlifting, boxing, athletics, and swimming.
Leading the Fijian delegation is Chef de Mission Ajay Ballu, overseeing approximately 72 athletes competing across eight disciplines. While the nation will not compete in netball or artistic gymnastics, significant preparations are underway. Weightlifting Fiji has conducted a six-week training camp in Samoa, and domestic competitions have been organized to enhance athletics performance prior to Glasgow. Notably, the 3×3 basketball teams have qualified through regional events, marking an exciting new chapter for Fijian sports.
Athletes such as Taniela Rainibogi, who won bronze at Birmingham, are prime medal contenders in Glasgow, alongside up-and-coming swimmers David “Tolu” Young and Anahira McCutcheon, who bring experience from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The upcoming Games present both challenges and opportunities for Fiji, as the absence of rugby sevens elevates the focus on individual sports, allowing athletes to establish their own identities on the international stage. Furthermore, ahead of the Games, Fiji will host the King’s Baton Relay from February 25 to March 2, 2026, which will travel across the islands carrying a message from King Charles III. This initiative offers a chance for Fiji to showcase its unique culture and sporting spirit globally, with local designers creating a distinctly Fijian baton to be revealed during the relay.
As Glasgow prepares to welcome some 3,000 athletes from 74 nations, the Games symbolize not just a sporting event, but a moment for Fiji to embrace new possibilities while honoring its rich athletic heritage.
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