The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has voiced its deep disappointment following the exclusion of shooting from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Shooting has been a central part of the Games since its debut in 1996, missing only the 1970 and 2022 editions.
ISSF President Luciano Rossi commented on the decision, stating, “As President of ISSF, I am very disappointed that shooting sport will not be part of the sports programme for 2026. But I am also not surprised because of the unique challenges facing the CGF to organise the Commonwealth Games in 2026 following the withdrawal of the original host city.”
The 2026 Games, now set to be hosted by Glasgow, will feature only 10 sports across four venues, a substantial reduction from the usual 15-20 sports. “The new host, Glasgow, with only two years to organise a mega event, will present only 10 sports and use only four venues. Since there are normally between 15 and 20 sports at these Games, it is clearly not only sport shooting that will be affected,” Rossi added.
Rossi reassured the shooting community that this decision would not set a precedent for future Commonwealth Games. “I have been reassured by the CGF leadership that any decision not to include shooting sport in the 2026 sports programme will not set a precedent for future Games. ISSF, along with other international federations, has been invited to discuss ways the CGF can create a sustainable future for the Commonwealth Games.”
Despite this setback, the ISSF remains committed to ensuring shooting’s place in future editions of the Commonwealth Games and maintaining the sport’s vital role on the global stage.