Planning has begun for the Isle of Man team’s appearance at the next Commonwealth Games in India.
The IoM Commonwealth Games Association has already started to look ahead, just days after the conclusion of the 2026 Games held in Glasgow.
That saw the Isle of Man team produce its best medal haul for 20 years.
Already the association is working towards the Isle of Man team’s participation at the next Games, being held in Amdavad, India, in 2030.
Outstanding success
CGA President Basil Bielich said: “’The 2026 Games have been an outstanding success for the Island.
“The team turned in great performances and competed with great credit.
“It was noticeable that more of our athletes were competing at a much higher level than previous Games and contesting finals and semi-finals.”
He said the support of Isle of Man Sport had been “vital to this year’s success” and the association “looks forward to continuing that partnership to provide a clear pathway to elite competition for the Island’s finest sportsmen and sportswomen as preparations for 2030 begin”.
Medal magic
Bielich said David Mullarkey’s bronze medal in the men’s 10,000m was “probably the finest performance by a Manx athlete on the international stage”, while Matt Bostock’s gold medal cycling’s points raise saw the Isle of Man have two podium finishes.
He added thanked chef de mission Erica Bellhouse and the support team for ensuring athletes had the “best Games possible”.
Bellhouse said: “It was an honour and privilege to see each and every one of the team perform at the Games.
“To wear the Isle of Man shirt on the highest international stage is an immense honour and they all did it with pride and professionalism.
“The number of personal best performances, national records and medals achieved was incredible, and the team can be proud of themselves.”
She added: “To our two medallists, David and Matt, thank you for putting the Isle of Man on the map and showing what is possible when you work hard and believe. They are an inspiration to us all!’
Centenary Games
The 2030 Games in Amdavad, India will mark the Commonwealth Games’ centenary. It will also feature a significant increase on the ten sports that featured at Glasgow 2026, with 17 due to be offered.
The athletics events will take place in the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, while the aquatics centre in Amdavad can host 12,000 people.
Commonwealth Sport has already confirmed that athletics, swimming, table tennis, bowls, weightlifting, gymnastics, netball and boxing will feature in 2030.
A wider sport programme and further additions are to be confirmed next year.
Picture caption: Alfie Bezance and Laura Kinley, Team Isle of Man’s flag bearer and baton bearer at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony,