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The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) is starting from July 23 in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, but looking at the atmosphere there, it does not seem that one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events is to be organized here a day later. As soon as they land at Glasgow Airport, the players waiting for their luggage on the luggage belt, seeing their teammates in tracksuits and the volunteers standing to welcome them, realize that the Commonwealth Games are going to be held here, but the outside view is something different.

Neither the posters nor the official mascot of CWG 2026 ‘Finny the Unicorn’ are easily visible outside the airport. At some places there are posters of Scotland’s leading players. The countdown clock on Central Station at Queen Street station and the ticket barriers wrapped in Games branding give the impression that the Games are about to take place. But apart from this, there does not seem to be any enthusiasm about CWG in Glasgow.

Glasgow was forced to host

Commonwealth 2026 was originally scheduled to be held in Victoria, Australia but withdrew due to cost. After this, hosting was handed over to Glasgow. The last Commonwealth Games was held here only 12 years ago. In such a situation, the number of events was kept at only 10, which would be limited to four stadiums. This is the least eventful edition of the Commonwealth Games since 1994.

Glasgow University student Nathan McKenzie says, ‘I knew the Commonwealth Games were taking place because he had come to the university looking for volunteers.’ He further said, ‘But apart from this I don’t know anything. Now posters have started appearing at different places in the city.

The atmosphere will be created after the arrival of the players

Security personnel are seen patrolling the banks of the River Clyde and barricades have been installed at various places. Organizers hope the silence of the River Clyde will be replaced by the noise of stands packed with spectators when the games begin this week. Taxi driver Vincent Dobbins said, ‘Till now no atmosphere is visible but it will be seen once the players arrive.’ His son Matty Dobbins is a former Scottish road race champion and is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut.

Not all the players have reached the Commonwealth Games yet. The Sri Lankan team will be eyeing star javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga, who threw a throw of 92.62 meters in the Rome Diamond League last month. He will face two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra of India and current Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan. Sri Lanka team manager Mohammad Rifat said, ‘He is playing well. Hopefully we will win gold here.