Fiji is set to return to the Commonwealth Games in 2026, a decade after rejoining the international sports community at the 2014 Games in Glasgow, which marked the end of an eight-year suspension following the 2006 military coup. The 2014 Games reignited Fiji’s competitive spirit, with athletes participating in six sports and Apolonia Vaivai earning a bronze medal in weightlifting, inspiring future generations.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take on a different format as Glasgow hosts the event instead of Victoria, Australia, which withdrew due to financial issues. This edition will be more streamlined, featuring only 10 sports compared to 17 in 2014, in an effort to create a more sustainable model. Athletics and swimming are confirmed as foundational sports, with details on the remaining lineup forthcoming.
Notable venues from the 2014 Games, such as Scotstoun Stadium and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, will be reused in 2026. However, there will be no dedicated Athlete’s Village; instead, competitors will be housed in various hotels throughout Glasgow, echoing practices used for previous major events.
Reflecting on the 2014 experience, Lyndall Fisher, Sports Development Manager at FASANOC and chef de mission for the 2014 contingent, emphasized its significance in laying the groundwork for Fiji’s success in subsequent competitions, including the 2016 Olympic Games. The 2026 Games present another opportunity for Fijian athletes to build on that legacy, especially in athletics and swimming, where emerging talent is present.
Excitement is building in Fiji’s sports community as FASANOC prepares to select top athletes, while recent successes in hosting the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships signal a positive outlook for the upcoming Games. If weightlifting is included in the 2026 lineup, Fiji anticipates strong performances from its athletes.