UK Anti-Doping appointed to protect clean sport at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Glasgow 2026, in conjunction with Commonwealth Sport, has appointed UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) to deliver the anti-doping programme for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This includes running the Anti-Doping Taskforce, providing accessible Games specific education, and an intelligence led, risk-based testing programme - helping to give athletes and the public confidence in clean sport.  

Running from 23 July to 2 August, Glasgow 2026 will welcome athletes from 74 nations and territories across a 10-sport programme - including six fully integrated Para sports - hosted across four venues.  

In the build-up to the Games, the Anti-Doping Taskforce will provide testing recommendations to all Anti-Doping Organisations across the Commonwealth and will ensure educational resources specific to the Games are made accessible to all involved – helping to mitigate the risks of intentional and inadvertent doping. 

During the Games, approximately 50 Doping Control Personnel, as well as approximately 80 chaperone volunteers appointed by Glasgow 2026, will be working alongside UKAD staff members to help in the operational delivery of the anti-doping programme.  

The intelligence led and risk-based testing programme will include both in-competition and out-of-competition tests, using urine and blood. Plus, for the first time at a Commonwealth Games, Dry Blood Spot (DBS) testing will feature as a further means of developing and growing anti-doping programmes at a major Games.  

Commonwealth Sport Chief Executive, Katie Sadleir said: “A fair and clean environment for athletes is fundamental to the integrity of the Commonwealth Games. We are pleased to partner with UK Anti-Doping, whose expertise and experience will be instrumental in delivering a robust anti-doping programme for Glasgow 2026. Together, we will help ensure athletes can compete with confidence, knowing the Games are built on a level playing field.” 

UKAD Chief Executive, Jane Rumble said: "Glasgow 2026 is going to be a great sporting event, and UKAD is proud to play a vital role in protecting its integrity alongside Commonwealth Sport. Our highly skilled team will be on the ground overseeing the anti-doping programme in the build-up and during this prestigious event. Our goal, as always, is to create a level playing field and to give athletes the opportunity to confidently say ‘this is 100% me’ before stepping up to compete." 

Natalie Cunningham, Director of Sport for Glasgow 2026 commented: “We’re committed to delivering a clean, fair and athlete-centred Commonwealth Games. Working closely with UK Anti-Doping, we’ll deliver a robust antidoping programme that upholds the highest standards. We want everyone, from athletes to fans, to have complete confidence in the integrity of the Games and our partnership with UK Anti-Doping ensures we can make that happen.”