Local Comm Games sports revealed

THE six sports that will call Bendigo home during the 2026 Commonwealth Games have been announced.

Revealed last week, track and para track cycling and 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball have joined netball, lawn bowls and para lawn bowls, table tennis and para table tennis, and squash as the sports hosted locally.

With no indoor velodrome in Bendigo, the current plan is to construct a temporary track at the showgrounds.

“It’s fantastic to see track cycling will be here in Bendigo, especially with its strong support in our local community,” said Member for Bendigo East and Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan.

Scheduled for 17 to 29 March 2026, the Commonwealth Games will take place across regional Victoria.

Along with Bendigo, sports will be held in Ballarat, Shepparton, Geelong, and Gippsland, while the opening ceremony is set for the MCG.

While track cycling and 3×3 basketball will join the local program, weightlifting, which was originally set for the city has now been moved.

Ms Allan welcomed the announcement that basketball would be played locally.

“3×3 basketball is such an action-packed game and Australia did so well when it debuted in Birmingham, so I’m thrilled it will be staged here in Bendigo,” she said.

Along with the sporting program a series of cultural event is planned for the Games, and to accommodate the athletes and officials a “village” will be constructed in Flora Hill.

“We will build a home away from home for athletes and officials at Flora Hill, where they will experience an inviting blend of everything that makes Bendigo one of Victoria’s most iconic regions,” said Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards.