Guyana to make Commonwealth Games debut in Men’s 3×3 Basketball

Guyana is set to make sporting history as its men’s 3×3 basketball team has officially qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

While the Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to August 3, the 3×3 component is scheduled for July 24-29 at the Scottish Event Centre.

The qualification marks the first time Guyana will compete in basketball at a major multi-sport event outside of regional competition, a landmark achievement for the sport’s development in the country.

The announcement, confirmed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), places Guyana among 12 nations entered in the men’s 3×3 tournament.

The Glasgow edition will feature an expanded field compared to the eight-team format used at the Birmingham 2022 Games, further underlining the growth and increasing global appeal of the discipline.

Guyana will be joined by fellow Caribbean nations, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

The rest of the field includes Singapore, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, host nation Scotland, and Nigeria, ensuring a highly competitive line-up from across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Games is regarded as the second most prestigious global multi-sport event after the Olympics.

Guyana’s presence in the tournament draw is therefore not just symbolic, but it is evidence of the sport’s steady rise locally and the success of deliberate development efforts in recent years.

Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) President Michael Singh described the milestone as “a monumental occasion for Guyana basketball,” emphasising the federation’s commitment to building the 3×3 format.

“This qualification shows that the hard work the GBF has done in 3×3 basketball is being recognised internationally. It’s a historic moment for our federation and for Guyanese sport,” Singh said.

According to Singh, the breakthrough is the result of sustained work done in the format by the GBF, strategic planning, and increased international participation. He noted that while the qualification itself is historic, the federation’s ambitions do not stop there.

“We’re committed to a robust plan now to not only select the best players but also to prepare Guyana for the competition ahead, giving our players a real opportunity to compete for a medal,” Singh stated.

Preparation plans, Singh said, will include strengthening domestic tournaments, increasing international exposure, staging targeted training camps, and potentially integrating overseas-based talent.

The president said the goal is to ensure Guyana’s squad arrives in Glasgow well-prepared, confident, and capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents.

The event will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, reflecting the continued expansion of the sport across the Commonwealth.

The GBF president added that for Guyana, the tournament appearance is a historic breakthrough that places local basketball on the global stage and signals a bold new chapter for the game at home.