Archery not selected for inclusion at Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games

Archery has not been selected for inclusion on the programme of the 2026 Commonwealth Games following an announcement on the optional sports selected by the organiser. Golf, 3x3 basketball, 3x3 wheelchair basketball, coastal rowing, shooting, para shooting, BMX racing, mountain bike cross country, track cycling and para track cycling were instead chosen as additional disciplines.

Archery Australia submitted an innovative bid on behalf of the sport of archery that would have seen para and able-bodied athletes compete together in a mixed team competition.

Archery has a strong presence in Commonwealth countries like India, Bangladesh, Great Britain and host Australia – as well as a booming digital media reach and rated well with young people during the last Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Archery has appeared twice on the programme of the Commonwealth Games, first in 1982 and then in 2010. 

“Archery proposed an innovative and balanced event format that would have truly integrated competition for para and able-bodied athletes at the next Commonwealth Games,” said World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen.

“It is disappointing that this exciting, inclusive opportunity to add a sport with such strong ties, inspirational athletes and rapid development in Commonwealth nations has once again not been taken.”

Archery Australia put forward a bold proposal for a unique – and completely inclusive competition format.

“The excellent bid for the Commonwealth Games and the recent successful broadcast of Australia’s national championships are evidence of the sport’s increasing appeal in Australia,” added Dielen. “Despite the discouraging news about Victoria, we are certain that investment from the Commonwealth community in archery will continue.”