Bowls and Para Bowls will provide the opening sporting action of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with organisers unveiling the competition draw and schedule alongside a new format designed to create a more exciting experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The sport will take centre stage at the SEC Centre, where four matches will be played simultaneously in an indoor setting, accompanied by music to enhance the atmosphere.
Due to unprecedented demand from Commonwealth Games Associations to compete, organisers have introduced an additional day of competition. A special “Day 0” session will take place on Thursday, 23 July, from 9:30am to 4:25pm, allowing athletes to compete before attending the Opening Ceremony later that evening.
Supporters who have already purchased Bowls and Para Bowls tickets will be able to attend the additional session free of charge. Glasgow 2026 has also released extra tickets priced from £10.
A total of seven gold medals will be contested across the Bowls and Para Bowls events.
The Men’s Singles competition will feature 26 nations, including Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Australia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, the Falkland Islands and the Cook Islands.
The Women’s Singles event will include 25 nations, with competitors representing the home nations alongside countries such as New Zealand, Singapore, Norfolk Island and Niue.
The Men’s Pairs will feature 24 teams, while 25 teams will compete in the Women’s Pairs, with both events beginning in sectional play before progressing to the knockout stages.
Para Bowls will award three sets of medals in the Men’s Pairs, Women’s Pairs and Mixed Pairs competitions, with Scotland, England, Australia and New Zealand represented across all three events.
Glasgow 2026 Director of Sport Natalie Cunningham described the expanded schedule as a positive step for the sport, highlighting the overwhelming interest shown by Commonwealth nations in the new competition format.
Commonwealth Sport Director of Sport Ann-Louise Morgan said it was fitting that Bowls and Para Bowls would open the Games, describing the sport as one that reflects the inclusive spirit of the Commonwealth while bringing together experienced champions and debutants.
World Bowls Chief Executive Neil Dalrymple also welcomed the increased participation, saying the strong level of interest demonstrated the sport’s continued growth, accessibility and global appeal. He added that the shorter and more dynamic competition format would help introduce Bowls and Para Bowls to new audiences around the world.
Host nation Scotland has named a strong squad featuring seven-time Commonwealth Games medallist Alex “Tattie” Marshall, who will partner six-time medallist Paul Foster in the Men’s Pairs.
Marshall, selected for his eighth Commonwealth Games, said it was a privilege to represent Scotland once again at a home Games and expressed his determination to challenge for another medal alongside Foster.
Among the newcomers is 23-year-old Beth Riva, niece of Alex Marshall and reigning world mixed pairs champion with Jason Banks.
Scotland’s Para Bowls team will be led by Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Pauline Wilson, who will compete alongside Mary Wilson in the Para Women’s Pairs.
England’s 14-member squad includes Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Nick Brett, a seven-time World Indoor champion.
Scottish cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy also sent a message of support to the home team, praising the bowls squad for embodying the spirit of Team Scotland and wishing them success at the Games.
Bowls has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1930, missing only the 1966 edition in Kingston due to the absence of suitable facilities. Para Bowls joined the programme in 2002 after first appearing as a demonstration sport at the 1994 Games in Victoria.
Scotland also boasts a proud Commonwealth Games history in the sport. At Birmingham 2022, George Miller became the oldest men’s gold medallist at the age of 75 years and eight months while directing visually impaired bowler Melanie Innes in the B2/B3 Mixed Pairs. Rosemary Lenton, aged 72, became the oldest female gold medallist after winning the Para Women’s Pairs.
Glasgow 2026 will be the largest sporting event held in the United Kingdom this year, bringing together around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to compete across 10 sports and six Para sports at four venues throughout the city.
