The Commonwealth Games movement remains “Alive and Kicking” as the Glasgow-based band Simple Minds concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a vibrant closing ceremony on Sunday night at The Hydro. This event capped off 11 days of intense sporting action, following Glasgow's last-minute intervention to host the Games after Victoria withdrew, leading to a £160 million budget.

Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “Eleven days ago, we asked whether the Commonwealth Games were still relevant... I feel we’ve answered that question once and for all.” He highlighted that the Games fostered a belief among 74 nations that every country should have the opportunity to host, with each edition reflecting its unique culture and character.

Despite a dip in English viewership and reports of star withdrawals, the Games held substantial meaning for nations like Australia and India. Australia dominated the medal tally with a total of 171 medals, including 70 golds, surpassing their performance in Birmingham 2022 despite a reduced program.

Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Games aims to cut hosting costs by 60%, targeting a future budget of around £300 million, largely supported by government funding. Katie Sadleir, chief executive of Commonwealth Sport, noted a shift in approach, stating, “We’re asking, ‘What are you trying to achieve?’” This collaborative strategy has attracted interest from several nations for potential hosting in 2034.

Sadleir also hinted at the possibility of making the Commonwealth Games a qualifier for world championships, stating, “Should the Commonwealth Games be a qualifier for world championships? Why not?” This reflects an ongoing commitment to ensure the Games remain relevant and appealing to top athletes.