Australian basketballers have welcomed news the sport will remain part of the Commonwealth Games program in 2026.
The Games, which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 until August 2, will again feature both 3x3 and wheelchair basketball.
Scotland’s largest city was this week confirmed as the host for the Games following Melbourne’s withdrawal in July last year. A condensed 10-sport program has led to 12 sports omitted from competition.
Luke Pople, who made history with the Australian Rollers wheelchair team in 2022 winning a gold medal at the Birmingham Games, welcomed the chance to again compete on one of global sport’s biggest stages.
‘’I’m very excited for 3x3 wheelchair basketball to be included again at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Being able to win gold at the last Games in Birmingham puts a bit of a target on Australia’s back but we will be more than ready for the challenge,” he said.
Gangurru Ally Wilson, a member of the 3x3 bronze-medal winning team in Birmingham, said the Games provided an important platform to grow the newest form of the game.
“It’s great news and it was an amazing experience to compete at the last Commonwealth Games so to see 3x3 remain is super exciting because the sport just continues to grow and grow particularly in Australia,” Wilson explains.
“3x3 is getting more and more visibility so to be able represent our country at a Commonwealth Games is so important.”
Head to the Commonwealth Games website for more and follow the Gangurrus, Wombats & CGAus social channels to stay up to date.
