23rd Commonwealth Games formally begins in Glasgow

The scaled-down 23rd Commonwealth Games formally began in Glasgow on Thursday, with the host country showcasing its vibrant culture in a colourful and distinctly Scottish opening ceremony. King Charles III declared the Games open in the presence of Queen Camilla, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare at the OVO Hydro, marking the second time the Scottish city has hosted the multi-sport event in 12 years. he British monarch read out the message he had placed into the King's Baton on Commonwealth Day (March 10, 2025) at Buckingham Palace. This marked the official opening of the Games, which will continue until August 2. It is the first-ever Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to be staged inside an indoor arena.

What a night

Thank you to everyone for watching - enjoy the Commonwealth Games!#Glasgow2026 pic.twitter.com/3ab6i3UenF

— Glasgow 2026 (@Glasgow_2026) July 23, 2026

The Glasgow edition represents one of the biggest restructurings in Commonwealth Games history. Originally awarded to the Australian state of Victoria, the event was thrown into uncertainty in 2023 after the hosts withdrew, citing rapidly escalating costs. The Games now feature 10 sports instead of the 19 contested at Birmingham 2022, alongside six para-sports, although organisers have delivered the largest para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history, with a record 47 medal events across athletics, swimming, track cycling, powerlifting, bowls and wheelchair basketball.