1000 day countdown for 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) is today celebrating an exciting milestone for Victoria 2026, with 1000 days to go until the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the MCG.

Set to deliver a multi-city model for competition unprecedented in the event’s history, CGA is establishing planning concepts for the Australian Team following a tour of Victoria earlier this year to meet with local councils and First Nations Australians.

Former swimming champion Petria Thomas, who will lead the Australian Team as Chef de Mission, commented “if the Games were a relay, we’d be at the first change with three legs to go.

“The multi-city model presents us with a new challenge and we’re tackling it head on to ensure the best high-performance environment and overall experience for Australia’s Team members.”

Thomas went on to say “we’re more enthusiastic than ever for Victoria 2026.

“There are 1000 days to go, and the countdown to the Opening Ceremony has begun. Our Team will be ready, and we’re confident the host communities in Victoria and sports fans across Australia are looking forward to cheering us on.

“A home Games always presents a memorable opportunity for Australian athletes to compete in front of family and friends, but the enthusiasm we’ve encountered during our visits across the state highlights how much the locals are looking forward to getting behind the green and gold, too.”

The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from 17th to 29th March 2026 across five regional hubs - Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, and Shepparton - and will feature 22 sports.

Golf and coastal rowing will make their Commonwealth Games debut, while BMX will join the cycling program for the first time. Shooting returns to the Games sport program after an absence in 2022.

Athletics, badminton, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cricket T20, cycling (mountain bike, road, and track), diving, gymnastics (artistic), hockey, lawn bowls, netball, powerlifting, rugby 7s, squash, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, and weightlifting round out the competition.

Image courtesy of Commonwealth Games Australia.