GOA president commends GBF on 3×3 team qualification for Commonwealth Games

President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Godfrey Munroe has commended the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) on the Men’s 3×3 Basketball team’s historic qualification 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.

Munroe, via a GOA press release, hailed the qualification as “a significant milestone in the continued growth and international positioning of Guyanese basketball.”

The release further stated: “The GOA confirms that Guyana’s qualification follows the formal submission and endorsement of the 3×3 men’s discipline by its Executive Committee, with the decision grounded in the sport’s strong international competitive trajectory, its strategic relevance within the Olympic and Commonwealth sport frameworks, and Guyana’s recent performances and structured development pathway.”

Munroe noted that this achievement is a testament to the dedication, planning and hard work of the Executive Committee of the Guyana Basketball Federation, as well as the commitment of the athletes, coaches and administrators who continue to elevate the sport nationally.

The GOA release added: “The Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association extends its formal congratulations to the Guyana Basketball Federation and all stakeholders involved, and looks forward to supporting the team as preparations advance toward Glasgow 2026.”

“Guyana’s inclusion among the qualified nations reflects the country’s steady progress in basketball development and its continued presence on the international sporting stage as part of the Commonwealth and Olympic movements.”

Meanwhile, Vice-president of the GBF and a FIBA 3×3 Commission Member Rawle Toney extended gratitude to the GOA for its crucial support.

“Our men’s 3×3 team’s selection for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is a historic achievement. It elevates Guyana on a major international stage and is a powerful endorsement of our development programme,” he said.

“This opportunity, earned through years of hard work from our athletes and dedicated planning, allows us to showcase Guyanese excellence, inspire future players, and fuel the growth of basketball at home. It also highlights the exciting role of 3×3 within global sport. We are incredibly proud to prepare for this competition and are committed to representing our nation with unity and determination at the SEC Centre.”

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.