Commonwealth Games 2026: Which countries will make CWG debut in Glasgow?

Glasgow to host XXIII Commonwealth Games.

The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) will be hosted by Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

This will be the fourth time the city hosts the CWG, and the second time in 12 years. The Australian state of Victoria had secured the hosting rights, but decided to withdraw after costs ballooned to double the initial estimate.

Multiple countries showed interest, including the UK, Malaysia, and Singapore. But they weren’t confident enough to gain financial benefits. Glasgow was considered a final option as the city could reuse the venues when it hosted in 2014. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) made it clear that their priority is to ensure the Games take place in 2026.

The Commonwealth Games Scotland was also keen on hosting the event on a small scale. Hence, the Glasgow 2026 Games will see only 10 sports, with six of those having a para-sport event.

Although this is half the number of sports featured at the last CWG, the quadrennial event will see new countries making their debut.

Gabon and Togo joined CWF in 2022

Gabon and Togo were the 73rd and 74th countries to join the Commonwealth Nations in 2022. Both are West African countries, and football is the most prominent sport in both nations.

Togo also qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Combat Sports like Boxing and Judo have also been popular sports in these countries.

Gabon will have only two athletes playing in Glasgow 2026, both in Judo. Fernand Nkaro will compete in the Men’s 81 kg category, and Marthe Gnacadja Avaro will look to secure a medal in the Women’s +78kg category. On the other hand, Togo’s contingent comprises 10 people, three of whom are judokas.

Togo’s boxers have been training hard for Glasgow 2026

Togo will also have representation in boxing, with Yaya Cherif and Salifou Ramzine competing in the Men’s category. They have made efforts to deliver a strong performance, and the selection of Salifou Ramzine is proof of this, as he joined the national team through a talent identification process.

Both have been training really hard, working both on their physical and mental strength. Yaya Cherif was quoted as saying, “We have worked a lot on our legs, our muscles and our physical condition. We are ready to defend the colours of Togo”.

Their ambitions are impressive. “We want to win victories and return with medals to bring honour to Togo,” assures Cherif. There will also be five athletes representing them in the Field and Track events.

Irrespective of the results, new nations entering a sporting event not only inspire people in their countries but also make the event truly global.

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