British Wrestling learnt yesterday that wrestling is not scheduled to feature at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia.
After Wrestling sold out 3 of the 4 sessions in Birmingham and had some of the highest online engagement figures globally, it was hoped that the Australian organisers would see the value in wrestling being part of the next Games. There was increased hope given the strong performances of Australian wrestlers in Birmingham where they won two medals, their first medal in 12 years. However, on 4th October 2022, the Commonwealth Games Federation announced the
sports program for Victoria 2026 where wrestling does not feature.
British Wrestling has worked closely with the Commonwealth Wrestling Committee and United World Wrestling to advocate for the continued inclusion of wrestling in the Commonwealth Games and yesterday’s news comes as an incredible disappointment. British Wrestling will continue to work with our Home Nations and Commonwealth wrestling nations to grow wrestling across the commonwealth to advocate for inclusion in 2026 and beyond.
Chief Executive, Craig Anthony, said
“The Commonwealth Games forms an incredibly important part of our performance pathway, providing a high-level multi-sport Games opportunity for our wrestlers. For many the Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle of their wrestling career, and this news is incredibly disappointing. Across the whole Commonwealth, many wrestlers, their coaches and their families will, inevitably, feel let down that they will be denied the opportunity to compete in Victoria.”
“It is very disappointing that wrestling has not been included in the programme for the Victoria Games at this stage. We believe we made a strong and exciting proposal that built on the sell-out event at Birmingham. Wrestling has always been in the Games, and the sport has deep roots in the Commonwealth. We believe it’s important that the Games includes sports that have broad appeal across the whole Commonwealth. We hope that the opportunity remains for our sport to be included.”
Secretary for Welsh Wrestling Association and Commonwealth Committee, Ian Wiggett
