Para powerlifting to open Glasgow 2026 medal programme

Glasgow 2026 announced on Thursday (31 July) that official session schedule for the next Commonwealth Games with Para powerlifting as the first sport to award medals. 

Running from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Scotland, Great Britain, the Games will bring together 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to compete across 10 sports and six Para sports, with more than 200 medals to be won in 50 medal sessions. 

The action begins on Friday 24 July with a powerful statement as the first medal of the Games will be awarded in Para powerlifting, marking the first time in Commonwealth Games history that a Para sport opens the medal tally.

The Para powerlifting events will be split into two sessions on 24 July – the first 13:00-16:00 and the second from 18:00-21:00. The competition will take place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

Para powerlifting made its debut at the Commonwealth Games at Manchester 2002, then integrated within the weightlifting programme but since Birmingham 2022 with core sport status.

The countdown has begun.
The obsession begins 23.07.26.#Glasgow2026

— Glasgow 2026 (@Glasgow_2026) July 31, 2025

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said:

“Today's session schedule sets out the biggest Para sport medal programme in Commonwealth Games history. It’s only fitting that the very first medal awarded will come from a Para sport; a powerful statement of intent from the outset of the competition. Fans can expect unforgettable drama, fierce rivalries and the kind of sporting magic that only the Commonwealth Games can deliver.

“Glasgow 2026 will be an incredible Games. Packed full of medal moments, a brilliant platform for Para sport, and a thrilling programme of sport across ten-days. From the very first session to the last, Glasgow 2026 will deliver stand out moments to packed venues, creating sporting memories for spectators across the Commonwealth.”  

Katie Sadleir CZNM, CEO of Commonwealth Sport added: “The release of the Sport Schedule is another exciting milestone for Glasgow 2026, which will deliver an unforgettable celebration showcasing the best of the Commonwealth’s athletes. This refreshed and focused programme reflects the evolving spirit of the Games – more inclusive, more events in many sports and just as inspiring. It’s a major step forward as we build towards another landmark moment for Commonwealth Sport.”

More information about Glasgow 2026 can be found here.