Glasgow Bids Farewell, Amdavad to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
GLASGOW: The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games brought down its curtain with full colour last night through a lively celebration with music, dance and unity before the hosting “baton” was handed over to Amdavad, India, for the 2030 edition.
The Closing Ceremony at The Hydro, lasting 90 minutes and themed “A Concert of Celebration”, paid tribute to the athletes, volunteers and all parties who contributed to the success of the Games, while showcasing Glasgow’s musical and cultural identity.
Scottish singer‑songwriter Sandi Thom and traditional drum group Clann An Drumma opened the performance with the song Proud To Be From Scotland as the arena was illuminated to reveal a Saltire‑shaped stage, symbolising a meeting point for nations and cultures across the Commonwealth.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem then welcomed the athletes into the arena with a medley of her songs, marking her return to the Commonwealth Games stage 20 years after performing at Melbourne 2006.
Goodrem performed while 74 volunteers carried the flags of participating nations and territories into the arena, before she was joined by Scottish singer Cammy Barnes, a choir and pipers for a rendition of You’re The Voice.
The event continued with a segment celebrating connections, Glasgow’s cultural heritage and the contributions of athletes, volunteers, organisers and spectators throughout the Games.
During the official handover ceremony, the flags of Scotland and India were brought in from opposite directions on the Saltire‑shaped stage, with the folded Commonwealth Games flag carried behind the Scottish flag as singer Shereen Cutkelvin delivered an emotional performance.
The Commonwealth Games flag was lowered and handed to Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren, before being handed to Commonwealth Games Scotland Vice‑Chair Susan Jackson, Scottish netball player Emily Nicholl and Commonwealth Games President Dr Donald Rukare.
Rukare then handed the flag to Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who passed it to Indian Commonwealth Games Association President PT Usha, before Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi received and kept it, thus officially marking Amdavad as the next host city.
The handover was followed by a three‑act cultural performance introducing India’s vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, combining Scottish and Indian music and dance to convey a message of unity across cultures.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing King Charles III, then declared the Games officially closed.
Glasgow 2026 featured approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 215 medal events, encompassing 10 sports, including six para sports, across four competition venues.
It marked the fourth time Scotland hosted the Commonwealth Games and the second time Glasgow organised the multi‑sport event, after the 2014 edition.
Malaysia ended their campaign in 10th place with a haul of eight gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
BERNAMA