The 23rd Commonwealth Games, and commonly known as Glasgow 2026, is being held from 23 July to 02 August, in Scotland for members of of the Commonwealth Nations. This is the fourth Commonwealth Games hosted in Scotland, following the 1970 & 1986 in Edinburgh, and the 2014 in Glasgow. The 2026 Commonwealth is the first to be held since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of King Charles III as the Head of Commonwealth, and the first edition since Donald Rukare became President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). The Glasgow 2026 commenced last Friday for athletes, sport enthusiasts and supporters organized by CGF and volunteers in "The friendliest Games in the friendliest city in the friendliest nation” and hoping for a harmonious and durable future. Tourism, broadcasting, injecting millions into the host country's economy, creating thousands of jobs for youth and long-term business and economic interests. (www.glasgow2026.com)
I remember the final Commonwealth Games of the 20th century were held in Kuala Lumpur, between 11-21 September 1998. For the first time ever, The Games for 70 Commonwealth member nations was held in Asia, at National Stadium Bukit Jalil, which featured 214 events in 15 sports, included team sports. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as one of the major aviation hubs, began operations in 1998 in conjunction with the 16th Commonwealth Games. I was attached with Malaysia Airlines, involved in training of volunteers to ensure the success of the Games.
During my research process to design the training curriculum, I discovered the core significance of Commonwealth Games lies in their unique ability to foster geopolitical unity, drive massive urban regeneration, and provide a global sports platform distinct from the Olympics. We often called the “Friendly Games,” we prioritized inclusivity, shared history, and accessible competition over sheer scale. The Games emphasize diplomacy, human values and cultural ties, using sport as a soft-power tool to address shared Commonwealth challenges like climate change and youth development.
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