'The 2026 Commonwealth Games were an outstanding success for the island'

The Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man has hailed the recent Glasgow Games as a huge success.

The Manx team enjoyed a memorable trip to Scotland for the 23rd edition of the prestigious event, clinching a gold medal in the velodrome and the island's first ever medal on the athletics track.

The thoughts of the CGAIoM are already turning to Team Isle of Man's participation at the next Games being held in Amdavad, India in 2030.

Basil Bielich, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man, 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.

'The support of Isle of Man Sport has been vital to this year's success, and CGA Isle of Man 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.

'David Mullarkey's bronze in the men's 10,000m was probably the finest performance by a Manx athlete on the international stage, adding to Matt Bostock's gold medal to give Team Isle of Man two podium finishes at these Games.

'Across the wider team, athletes competed with distinction and represented the island with pride.

‘I would like to thank [chef de mission] Erica [Bellhouse] and all the support team who ensured that the athletes had the best Games possible with all the administrative aspects professionally dealt with, allowing the athletes to focus on their events.’

Bellhouse added: ‘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.

‘To our two medalists, 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!’

Planning is already turning to the 2030 Games in Amdavad – an event that will mark the Commonwealth Games' centenary. It will also feature a significant increase on the 10 sports that featured at Glasgow 2026, with 17 due to be offered.

India regards the next Games as a vital stepping stone in the nation's stated ambition to become a sporting superpower, with a future Olympic bid also on the cards.

With India's athletes also making an impact across the board in Glasgow, the centenary Games are shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity for Manx athletes, as well as future sponsors of Team Isle of Man.

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.