Bowls and para bowls to kick off sporting action at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after large entry adds extra day, with draw and schedule revealed
Bowls and Para Bowls have the honour of providing the first sporting action at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as a new format injects fun and an upbeat atmosphere into the event.
The draw and schedule for the popular sport have been released, with an extra day of competition added after “unprecedented demand” to participate.
Bowls and Para Bowls are among the fastest-growing sports across the Commonwealth and will take the spotlight at the SEC Centre for one of the sport’s biggest stages.
There’ll be a great atmosphere at the SEC, with spectators treated to the exciting indoor format, four games playing simultaneously and music, making it an unforgettable occasion for fans to get involved and support their favourites.
The new format and schedule are highlighted as a “positive step”, showing huge enthusiasm for the competition.
A “Day 0” has been added to the competition schedule on Thursday 23 July, with a session from 9:30am–4:25pm. The timings allow athletes to take to the rink and still attend the Opening Ceremony that evening.
As a bonus, anyone who has bought Bowls and Para Bowls tickets can attend the extra session free of charge on 23 July.
Glasgow 2026 has also released back-seat Bowls and Para Bowls tickets from just £10, on sale from 10am on Monday 13 July.
In total, seven gold medals are at stake across Bowls and Para Bowls, with world champion Jason Banks leading the charge for Scotland.
The Men’s Singles has attracted the largest field with 26 nations, including Scotland and the home nations, the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Isle of Man and Guernsey, along with Malaysia, Australia, India, Pakistan, the Falkland Islands and the Cook Islands.
The Women’s Singles features 25 countries, including the home nations, New Zealand, Singapore, Norfolk Island and the Polynesian island of Niue.
The Men’s Pairs (24 teams) and Women’s Pairs (25 teams) will also be contested in sectional play before progressing to the knockout stages.
Para Bowls features three medal events: the Para Men’s Pairs, Para Women’s Pairs and Para Mixed Pairs, with Scotland, England, Australia and New Zealand represented in all three.
Natalie Cunningham, Director of Sport, Glasgow 2026, said:
“This marks a truly positive step in the worldwide appeal of the sport and the enthusiasm of the Commonwealth to participate. We have experienced unprecedented demand from Commonwealth Games Associations to participate in the new and innovative Bowls & Para Bowls format designed for Glasgow 2026.
“Glasgow 2026 has worked in close collaboration with World Bowls and Commonwealth Sport to put together a great competition that will enthral the crowds and showcase the skill of the competitors.”
Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sport at Commonwealth Sport, said:
“It’s fitting that Bowls and Para Bowls will provide the first sporting action of Glasgow 2026. Few sports better reflect what makes the Commonwealth Games unique, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth in a competition that is fiercely contested, inclusive and played in communities across the Commonwealth.
“The level of interest from Commonwealth Games Associations reflects the continued growth of the sport. With established champions competing alongside athletes making their Commonwealth Games debut, Bowls and Para Bowls will set the tone for an unforgettable eleven days of sport.”
Neil Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer, World Bowls, said:
“The Commonwealth Games has always provided one of the premier stages for our sport, and we are delighted that Bowls and Para Bowls will once again take centre stage as the first competition to begin at Glasgow 2026. The unprecedented demand from Commonwealth nations and territories to participate is a powerful reflection of the continued growth, inclusivity and global appeal of our sport.
“Bowls and Para Bowls are accessible, highly competitive and truly representative of the Commonwealth family, bringing together athletes of all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing the world’s best bowlers and para bowlers compete in a short and exciting competition format, showcasing our sport to new audiences around the world. Glasgow 2026 promises to be a fantastic celebration of excellence, friendship and inclusion.”
Team Scotland has named a “very strong” line-up.
Seven-time Commonwealth Games medallist Alex “Tattie” Marshall will join forces with Paul Foster, who is heading to his sixth Games with six medals already to his name, in the Men’s Pairs.
On his eighth selection, Alex said:
“It is always such an honour. To have another opportunity to be a part of a home Games is also not lost on me. Paul and I will give it our very best to try and win a medal for the team.”
A notable newcomer is 23-year-old Beth Riva, the niece of Alex Marshall and current world mixed pairs champion alongside Jason Banks.
Leading the charge in Scotland’s Para Bowls team is Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Pauline Wilson, who will compete with Mary Wilson in the Para Women’s Pairs.
Team England’s 14-strong Bowls and Para Bowls squad includes Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Nick Brett, who also boasts seven World Indoor titles.
Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy sent a special message to Team Scotland, saying:
“The Team Scotland bowls team capture the spirit of what the Scottish team are about. Good luck to the bowls team!”
Bowls is one of the original six sports on the Commonwealth Games programme and has featured at every Games since 1930, except Kingston 1966 when suitable facilities were unavailable.
Para Bowls was introduced in 2002 after making its debut as a demonstration sport at Victoria 1994.
Host nation Scotland has a proud history in the sport, including two record-setting performances at Birmingham 2022.
George Miller became the oldest men’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist at 75 years and eight months while serving as director for visually impaired bowler Melanie Innes in the B2/B3 Mixed Pairs.
Rosemary Lenton, aged 72, became the oldest female Commonwealth Games gold medallist after winning the Para Women’s Pairs.
Glasgow 2026 is the largest sporting event in the UK this year, bringing together around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across 10 sports and six Para sports at four iconic venues throughout the city.
The final ticket drop is on sale now for Bowls and Para Bowls with tickets for as little as £10. Fans are encouraged not to miss out and get their hands on their tickets today, available at glasgow2026.com/tickets.
