Shooting added to array of sports secured by Gippsland for Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Victorian Government has announced that Gippsland has secured the Shooting and Para Shooting events for the 2026 Commonwealth Games adding to the region’s existing competition schedule of Women’s T20 Cricket, Badminton, Rugby Sevens and Road Cycling.

The Shooting events comprise Shotgun Clay Target Trap, 10m Air Pistol and 10m Air Rifle and for the first time in a Commonwealth Games Shooting sport program, Para Shooting will also be included.

Shooting Australia Chief Executive Adam Sachs advised “we are delighted that Gippsland has been identified as the host for Shooting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and are looking forward to working closely with the Victorian Government and local Shooting organisations towards the development of international standard (i.e. ISSF and WSPS) facilities that will enable us to showcase our amazing athletes and our sport.

“Any investment by Government in new or upgraded facilities will have a significant impact on the long-term growth of Shooting in the region and will support the engagement and development of future world-class athletes from Gippsland and Victoria for years to come. This will be the legacy of Shooting’s re-admission to the Commonwealth Games and is something that we can all be very proud of.”

Shooting promises to be an engaging competition, with competitors up against a strong Indian team that has taken home shooting gold at every Games since 1998.

As for Gippsland’s other existing competition schedule, the Cycling Road Race will finish with a criterium in Gippsland with the Commonwealth’s best racing for gold within central Traralgon.

T20 Cricket is part of a strong women’s sports program and will see the reigning world champion Australian team look to defend the gold medal they won at this year’s Commonwealth Games.

The expanded program of sports means more athletes will experience the best of regional Victoria in 2026, attracting thousands of additional visitors to witness the competition for medals.

Commonwealth Games Australia Chief Executive Craig Phillips enthused “CGA is excited about the program of sports on offer in Gippsland, with Badminton, Rugby Sevens, T20 Cricket, Road Cycling and the return of Shooting which, for the first time, will include events for para athletes.”

The Games village location has also been locked in and will be established on English Street, Morwell and will be a home-away-from-home for about 1,000 athletes and officials.

The village will be designed in consultation with the local community and Traditional Owners, celebrating the rich culture of the Gunaikurnai people and the Gippsland region’s vibrant communities and landscapes.

It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before they start, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs after the Closing Ceremony.

For more information about the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit vic.gov.au/victoria2026