Reimagined Glasgow Games will have 'wow factor'

Glasgow's reimagined Commonwealth Games format will still have "a wow factor", say the authorities responsible for assessing preparations for next summer's event following a successful visit to Scotland.

The event will be on a smaller scale than when it was last in the city in 2014 - where medals were won in 17 sports over 11 days - as Glasgow stepped with a rescue plan last year after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew.

However, the Commonwealth Sport Coordination Commission (CoCom) are not only satisfied the event will meet the scope, schedule and budget proposed in the bid, but also that the 10-sport Games will be an "altogether brilliant" event.

Delegates have been in Scotland for the past two days for meetings and to visit the four venues along an eight-mile corridor within Glasgow's city boundaries.

And, after several "candid conversations", they leave with "a very strong sense of confidence and satisfaction" that the Games - to be held from 23 July to 2 August 2026 - will be a success.

"People might expect something like Glasgow 2014, but we have to manage those expectations," CoCom chair Chris Chan told BBC Sport Scotland.

"This Games will be lean and mean, short and sweet.

"We need to send a message to Commonwealth nations and athletes that there's still the wow factor that we had in 2014. And after sitting down with the organising committee, I'm totally convinced they've got everything on track."

The Games - the largest sporting event to be held in the UK next year - will bring together 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, with more than 200 medals to be won across 50 competition sessions.

Organisers say "tens of thousands" of people have signed up for more information, with tickets going on sale in October.

"There's no doubt Scotland has really stepped up in a very brave manner to take on the Games and find solutions and an innovative model," added president of Commonwealth Sport Dr Donald Rukare.

"The facilities are great, the people are great, so we are sure Glasgow will put its best foot forward and the athletes will have a truly awesome experience."