Glasgow prepares to host a slimmed-down 2026 version of the Commonwealth Games, says the president of Commonwealth Sport, Dr Donald Rukare.

The Games were plunged into crisis when the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts in July 2023, citing rising costs.

Glasgow also played host 12 years ago and was therefore in the position to offer the solution of a condensed format using existing venues to minimise taxpayer costs.

A 10-sport and six para-sport event — down from a 19-sport and eight para-sport programme four years ago in Birmingham — begins today, July 23, with King Charles set to attend the opening ceremony.

“We had that dark cloud over us in terms of having no Games, but Glasgow stepped in. Scotland the brave, as we say,” said Rukare.

Commonwealth Games evolved out of the British Empire Games and now comprises 74 nations and territories, mainly countries that were once subject to British imperial rule.