In a united effort to reinstate wrestling in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, British Wrestling, acting on behalf of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has penned a compelling letter to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland. This action follows the disappointing omission of wrestling from the proposed sports programme for the Victoria 2026 Games, a decision that has sparked concern and disappointment among the wrestling community across the Commonwealth. Renewed hope for wrestling inclusion came with Victoria withdrawing as host of the Games.
Following the confirmation of Glasgow as the host city for a scaled-back 2026 Commonwealth Games, British Wrestling, representing the unified voice of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has issued an appeal to Commonwealth Games Scotland and the local organising committee. This appeal, in the form of a letter advocating for the reinstatement of wrestling in the Games, comes in response to the sport’s surprising exclusion from the proposed programme. The letter, shared with all Commonwealth nation wrestling federations and United World Wrestling who have also voiced their support for wrestling’s inclusion, is being made public ahead of the plan for the Games being submitted to Glasgow City Council on Thursday, 24th October.
We’re pleased to report that the Commonwealth Wrestling community has supported our appeal, and several nations have penned similar letters to their own commonwealth representatives.
The Letter
Dear Commonwealth Games Federation,
On behalf of England Wrestling, Scottish Wrestling, Welsh Wrestling Association, and Wrestling NI, the British Wrestling Association extends our warmest congratulations on securing Glasgow as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. We recognise the unique challenges and opportunities that come with a reduced sports program, and we believe wrestling’s inclusion would significantly enrich the Games’ legacy.
Wrestling’s history is deeply intertwined with the Commonwealth Games. As one of the original six sports contested in 1930, wrestling embodies the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines this great sporting event. The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham showcased the sport’s enduring popularity, with wrestling tickets completely selling out in advance of the competition. Furthermore, the excitement generated by the wrestling competition translated into significant digital engagement, attracting 1.7 million users across the Commonwealth Games website and app on the second day of competition. This demonstrates the strong appeal of wrestling to both live and online audiences.
The 2022 Games also highlighted the sport’s global reach, with athletes from 32 nations (almost 60% of the Commonwealth) competing fiercely on the mat. Wrestling’s diversity and accessibility make it an ideal fit for the 2026 Games. It welcomes athletes of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and promoting the values of the Commonwealth. The sport’s low hosting costs and minimal infrastructure requirements further enhance its appeal in the context of a streamlined program.
We urge the CGF and Commonwealth Games Scotland to consider wrestling’s rich history, global reach, proven popularity, and undeniable benefits when finalizing the 2026 sports program. Its inclusion would honour the Games’ traditions, celebrate the Commonwealth’s diversity, and inspire a new generation of athletes and fans.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a successful and memorable 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Thank you for your time, consideration and support.
Sincerely,
British Wrestling Association
Signed by:
England Wrestling
Scottish Wrestling
Welsh Wrestling Association
Wrestling NI
Cc:
Commonwealth Games Scotland
Commonwealth Games England
Commonwealth Games Wales
Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland
United World Wrestling
