Fiji’s return to the Commonwealth Games in 2014 was a significant moment for the nation, marking its comeback following a suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations due to the 2006 military coup. The Games in Glasgow revitalized Fiji’s competitive spirit and surprised the international sports community.
After eight years of absence, Fiji participants competed in six sports, including athletics, judo, lawn bowls, shooting, swimming, and weightlifting. Notably, Apolonia Vaivai secured a bronze medal in the women’s 75 kg weightlifting category on July 29, 2014. Her success served as an inspiration for young Fijian athletes, demonstrating that Fiji could reach impressive heights in competitive sports.
As Fiji prepares for the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow in 2026, the event will see significant changes compared to the 2014 edition. After Australia’s Victoria withdrew due to financial issues, Glasgow took on the challenge again. The upcoming Games will feature a more streamlined agenda, with only ten sports compared to the 17 sports that were included in 2014. Athletics and swimming are the confirmed compulsory sports, with the remaining events still to be announced. This adjustment aims to establish a sustainable and cost-effective framework for the future of the Games while still prioritizing high-quality competition and a memorable experience for fans.
Many iconic venues from the 2014 Games will be in use for 2026, including Scotstoun Stadium for athletics and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre for aquatics, ensuring that athletes will compete in top-notch facilities. A significant shift for the next Games will be the lack of a designated Athlete’s Village; instead, athletes and officials will be housed in hotels throughout Glasgow, similar to accommodations during other major events like the COP26 climate conference and the UCI Cycling World Championships. This approach is in line with the Commonwealth Games Federation’s goal to reduce expenses and support environmental sustainability.
Reflecting on the impact of the 2014 event, Lyndall Fisher, Sports Development Manager at FASANOC and Fiji’s chef de mission during those Games, remarked that the occasion was pivotal for Fiji and laid the groundwork for its subsequent success at the 2016 Olympic Games. The legacy of the 2014 Games is a driving force as Fiji looks forward to the opportunities presented by the Glasgow 2026 Games, particularly in athletics and swimming where rising talent is emerging.
The anticipation is palpable within Fiji’s sports community as FASANOC, the Commonwealth Games Association, awaits final confirmations regarding the event dates and sports lineup. Preparations are in motion to choose the best athletes to represent the nation. Fiji’s recent accomplishments in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, where it earned medals across various categories, further strengthen its position heading into the 2026 Games. Should weightlifting be included in the program, Fiji is likely to perform exceptionally well.