Commonwealth Games 2026: Commonwealth Games 2026 is just around the corner, and it is unmistakably visible if one steps into Glasgow International Airport. Inside the airport, athletes from different nationalities can be found in tracksuits, awaiting their heavy sports gear and equipment on the conveyor belt. Every few minutes, a team emerges through the arrival gates, adding to the steady stream that will soon swell to nearly 3,000 athletes.
Beyond the airport, however, Glasgow wears a surprisingly quiet look despite being less than two days away from hosting one of the world's biggest multi-sport events. While posters of the official mascot, Finnie the Unicorn, and banners featuring Scotland's leading athletes have appeared across parts of the city
centre, daily life continues much as usual.
A countdown clock at Glasgow Central Station and Games-branded ticket barriers at Queen Street Station offer reminders of the approaching spectacle, but outside these pockets, there is little indication that an international sporting festival is about to begin.
A city waiting for the spotlight
The subdued atmosphere is perhaps unsurprising given the circumstances under which Glasgow took over hosting duties. The Scottish city stepped in after Australia's Victoria state withdrew because of spiralling costs, forcing organisers to stage a streamlined edition featuring just 10 sports across four venues - the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow Arena, Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
"I knew the Commonwealth Games were happening because they came to my university looking for volunteers. But after that I haven't really followed it. It's only now that the posters have started appearing in the city centre," a University of Glasgow student said, quoted by PTI.
Preparations are nevertheless gathering pace around the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), expected to be the busiest venue during the Games. Security personnel patrol the area, barriers are firmly in place and workers continue making final adjustments before competition begins later this week.
"There hasn't been much buzz until now," taxi driver Vincent Dobbins said. "But it will start as the athletes trickle in. "
For Dobbins, the Games carry more than commercial significance. His son, Matti Dobbins, a former Scottish road race champion who now represents Ireland through his father's heritage, is preparing to make his Commonwealth Games debut. "You should write and let everyone know how amazing he is," Dobbins said with a smile.
Javelin Throw set to be in spotlight
Several high-profile athletes are still expected to arrive, including Sri Lankan javelin sensation Rumesh Tharanga. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the biggest medal contenders after producing a stunning 92.62m throw to win the Rome Diamond League last month, placing him ahead of India's Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem in recent form.
Sri Lanka, which won one silver and three bronze medals at Birmingham 2022, is pinning its hopes on Tharanga ending a 76-year wait for an athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
"He has been doing well. Hopefully he can keep his form, perform well and get the gold," Sri Lanka team manager Mohamed Rifath said. For now, Glasgow remains calm. But with athletes continuing to pour into the city and final preparations nearing completion, that calm is expected to give way to the unmistakable energy of the Commonwealth Games once competition officially gets underway.
With inputs from PTI
