The stage is officially set in Glasgow, Scotland, for the highly anticipated 2026 Commonwealth Games, running from July 23rd straight through August 2nd! The action kicked off yesterday, 23 July 2026, with the Opening Ceremony going live at 10:00 PM East African Time (EAT) on SuperSport 227.
As an international multi-sport event, the Games bring together nations and territories from the Commonwealth, primarily countries historically connected to the British Empire. This shared historical criterion explains why a global sports powerhouse like the United States is notably absent from the competition. With the US sitting this one out, it gives our elite Kenyan athletes an even bigger stage to shine and dominate.
Hoops on the Big Stage: The 3×3 Basketball Revolution
This event holds a deeply special place in my heart. I vividly remember the 2022 edition, that’s when I first knew about Madina Okot, who absolutely made a name for herself and Kenya in Women’s 3×3 Basketball before making history and getting drafted into the WNBA.
It’s also special because guys like Ariel Ortega and Larry Shavanga held it down for the men’s 3×3 team back then. We actually played together when I was on the USIU Basketball team, and watching them, who are now killing it for Nairobi City Thunder, hoop on the world stage was just surreal.
This year, the hoops action at the SEC Centre Hall 4 is going to be electric. Our Women’s squad tips off their grueling 3×3 schedule on Friday, July 24th, against Uganda right at 12:00 PM (Noon) EAT. We’re also fielding an elite Men’s Wheelchair team and a fierce new Men’s squad ready to ball out and make the nation proud.
The Squad: 98 Athletes, One Mission
Team Kenya is sending a robust and diverse delegation of 98 athletes to Glasgow, carrying the nation’s pride across 12 disciplines:
- Athletics: 52 Athletes
- Basketball 3×3: 8 Athletes
- Wheelchair Basketball 3×3: 4 Athletes
- Boxing: 4 Athletes
- Bowling: 4 Athletes
- Cycling: 5 Athletes
- Judo: 4 Athletes
- Swimming: 4 Athletes
- Para Athletics: 4 Athletes
- Para Powerlifting: 4 Athletes
- Weightlifting: 4 Athletes
- Para Cycling: 1 Athlete
Track & Field: All-Stars and Omanyala’s Title Defense
You know we can’t talk about Kenya without talking about the track. We are sending an absolute All-Star team to Glasgow! All eyes will undoubtedly be on the men’s 100m dash, where Africa’s fastest man and reigning Commonwealth Games champion, Ferdinand Omanyala, aims to fiercely defend his crown against a stacked field of world-class sprinters.
Add in world champions like Lilian Odira in the 800m and Timothy Cheruiyot in the Mile, and our 52-athlete track and field roster is a guaranteed gold mine. Omanyala hits the track for Round 1 on Monday, July 27th, starting at 12:00 PM EAT, with the finals going down Tuesday night.
From the track to the court, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promise to be a spectacular showcase of Kenyan grit and excellence. We expect nothing short of a massive medal haul. Keep it locked right here on SportsBiz for all your updates, drop your predictions in the comments, and as always… GO TEAM KENYA!
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