Inverness star says it hurts squash has been axed from Commonwealth Games
HIGHLAND star Greg Lobban says it hurts him personally, as well as the sport, that squash has been dropped from the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
It was revealed today that squash will not be part of the Commonwealth Games which will take place in Glasgow in two years time.
The 10 sports which will take place at the Commonwealth Games was revealed today and will include athletics, boxing, 3x3 basketball, bowls, gymnastics, judo, netball, swimming, track cycling and weightlifting.
Squash, along with badminton, beach volleyball, cricket, diving, hockey, mountain cycling, road cycling, rugby sevens, shooting, table tennis and triathlon, have all been axed from the games in 2026.
Glasgow stepped in to save the Commonwealth Games which were in danger of not going ahead after Victoria in Australia pulled out of hosting the event due to escalating costs.
Glasgow, who last hosted the Games in 2014, agreed to save the event, but at reduced costs and number of events.
Lobban (32) from North Kessock, who is a former pupil at Fortrose Academy, says it came as a big shock to hear the sport won’t be part of the games and is hurt he won’t have the chance to compete in Glasgow.
He said: “It came as a big shock to me that squash was axed from the 2026 Games.
“Historically, squash has come across well in the Commonwealth Games.
“A lot of neutrals come up to me and say how good it was when they watched it in Glasgow in 2014.
“Historically, it was the best showcase of our sport and it fitted in really well.
“The highlights in my professional career have come at the Commonwealth Games.
“That squash is not included this time definitely hurts as it is the biggest showcase the sport has just now. And it will hurt the sport I am sure.”
Lobban won a bronze medal with Rory Stewart from Perth in the men’s doubles in Birmingham in 2022.
He highlights finishing on the podium as one of the highlights of his career and is disappointed he won’t get another chance to win a medal in two years time.
He said that he saw Glasgow as his final chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games at the standard he is at the moment.
He said: “Competing at the Commonwealth Games was the pinnacle of my career, even before I won my medal two years ago.
“The memories of competing at the Commonwealth Games were the highlights of my professional career. Winning a medal was special and we were motivated to try and improve on that this time around.
“To not be able to do that again is disappointing. I am approaching my mid-30’s and I don’t have a huge time left in the game and competing in Glasgow in 2026 was a target for me.
“As soon as I heard it could be in Glasgow I got really excited about it. It was something I circled and thought it was potentially a last chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
“To not be in this one, it is a blow to me personally.”
Lobban has competed at three Commonwealth Games, which included Glasgow in 2014 and Gold Coast in Australia in 2018 as well as his bronze medal success in Birmingham in 2022.
He says while it is disappointing he won’t have the chance to represent Scotland in two years time, he also feels for up and coming talent in Scotland they won’t have the chance either.
“As much as it is a blow personally, for the next generation of squash players coming through, the Commonwealth Games is a big milestone.
“For them not to get that chance to experience what I experienced and being the highlight of my career, it is sad they can’t shoot for the stars with the Commonwealth Games in 2026.”
Lobban did have success last weekend when he captured his 14th PSA title at the Richardson Wealth Men’s PSA Open in Vancouver.
He claimed victory in the final when he won by three games to one, 11-7, 11-6, 6-11, 11-4 against Leonel Cardenas of Mexico.
Lobban, who is ranked 22nd in the world, was pleased with his performance and is now preparing for a tournament in Hong Kong towards the end of the year.
He said: “It was a nice way to wrap up a three-week tour of North America and I was extremely pleased.
“It was my main aim to win the title to Vancouver and I am glad to have achieved it.
“I was number one seed going into the tournament, but Leonel had overtaken me in the world rankings, I knew it was going to be tough.
“He was in a rich vein of form and made it tough. But I played the big points well through the week and I am pleased with that.”
Scottish Squash also released a statement saying they are disappointed the sport will not be part of the Commonwealth Games.
They said: “The World Squash Federation (WSF) and Scottish Squash are deeply disappointed by the news that squash will not be one of the ten sports contested at the condensed 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“Squash, which will make its Olympic debut at the LA28 Olympic Games, has been a core sport of the Commonwealth Games since first being contested at Kuala Lumpur 1998.
“However, despite having existing infrastructure in place at Scotstoun following a fantastic squash competition at the Glasgow 2014 Games, it is disappointing that squash was not submitted for inclusion after the number of sports was reduced from 19 in 2022 due to the exceptional circumstances of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“This decision is particularly frustrating for Scotland’s and the Commonwealth’s top squash players, who work tirelessly to represent their countries at major games.
“WSF and Scottish Squash remain committed to supporting these athletes by providing the best competitive opportunities to enhance their skills and proudly represent their countries.
“Representatives of the WSF and Scottish Squash have received assurances that this decision for a condensed event in 2026 will not impact the inclusion of squash into future Commonwealth Games.”
