By Laurie Finlayson

Badminton has been dropped from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as the bosses have made the decision to axe seven of the games key events.

The scaled back event will feature 10 sports, as opposed to the 17 witnessed at Glasgow 2014, with 19 sports hosted 19.

Commonwealth silver medallist Kirsty Gilmour, when speaking to UWS News, expressed her disappointment, she said: “I never considered that we wouldn’t be a part of it, which is maybe a bit arrogant of me.”

The UWS graduate has tasted success representing Scotland at the games on multiple occasions and Gilmour admitted that it is has been unusual not to have a major summer championship to prepare for, adding: “Since I was 17, all I’ve known is Commonwealth Games two years, Olympic games, two years.”

The change of routine may be off-putting for Gilmour, but the 31-year-old is concerned with what this means for badminton stars of the future: “I’ve had four Commonwealth Games, I’ll be fine – I’ve had a few bites of the cherry. I feel bad for the younger players that are coming up. It would’ve been a major milestone for them to be part of the team and have a shot at medals”

However, Gilmour has no ill feelings towards Team Scotland, saying she is “disappointed” but understands the reasons behind the decision