The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has officially unveiled its prize medal, introducing a historic and inclusive design that incorporates braille and tactile elements for the first time in the Games' history. Meanwhile, in Lagos, 40 invited boxers have opened Team Nigeria's camp as they begin their quest for a place on the team heading to Scotland.
Medal Design Unveiled at Glasgow School of Art
The medal was revealed during a special ceremony held at the Glasgow School of Art, attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, who serves as Vice-Patron of Commonwealth Sport. According to My Alumni Magazine, the event marked a significant milestone for the Games.
A total of 215 gold medals will be contested across 10 sports and six Para sports when the Games commence in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2. This event represents the United Kingdom's biggest sporting event of the summer. Of these, 47 gold medals will be awarded in Para sports, making it the largest fully integrated Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history.
Innovative Design Features
Designed by award-winning artist and The Glasgow School of Art Artist in Residence, Militsa Milenkova, the medal features a distinctive Reuleaux triangle shape, a first for the Games. The design draws inspiration from Glasgow's coat of arms, industrial heritage, and cultural identity, incorporating elements such as the iconic Finnieston Crane and patterns reminiscent of Scottish tartan.
Milenkova, originally from Bulgaria, shared her personal connection to the design. "I wanted the medal to stand out and resonate with athletes," she said. "Glasgow is my chosen home, and I wanted to capture that in a design that represents both the city and the spirit of the Games."
Official Reactions
Chairman of Glasgow 2026, George Black, described the medal as a powerful symbol of the Games' values. "The prize medal represents the pinnacle of what athletes are striving for," he said. "This design is bold, meaningful, and rooted in Glasgow's story, with inclusion at its core. For the first time, every athlete will receive a medal that reflects both their achievement and the values of these Games."
Scottish swimmer Duncan Scott, the country's most decorated athlete, welcomed the design. "It's unique," Duncan said. "You don't see many medals like this. The braille is a great addition, and it's exciting to see something that captures not just the achievement but the journey behind it."
President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, noted that the unveiling reflects a reimagined vision for the Games. "This medal embodies what Glasgow 2026 stands for — innovation, inclusion, and a willingness to do things differently. It will be instantly recognisable and a source of pride for athletes across the Commonwealth," Rukare stated.
Director and Principal of The Glasgow School of Art, Penny Macbeth, described the moment as a defining milestone for the designer. "This is a remarkable achievement for Militsa. To see her work realised on such a global stage is both significant and inspiring."
Nigerian Boxers Begin Camp in Lagos
Meanwhile, 40 invited Nigerian boxers will compete for Commonwealth Games slots at the Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (Rtd) Boxing Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Training is set to start this Saturday, with the boxers competing across all weight categories for places on the Scotland-bound team.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) stated that the invited team includes 20 male and 20 female fighters, mostly drawn from finalists at the National Boxing Open Trials held in February.
Chairman of the NBF Technical Committee, Babatunde Laguda, emphasised the importance of early preparation. "The NBF board under the leadership of Hon. Wale Edun has prioritised an early camping for every international event. Hence, the Nigeria Boxing Federation has taken the lead in calling athletes to camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games. This phase of the trials is very crucial because from the 40 boxers invited, we will pick the 10 that will fly Nigeria's flag in Glasgow," Laguda said.
