Racquet Sports at the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta

The Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG), established in 2000, is a multi-sport event for athletes aged 14–18 from Commonwealth nations, serving as a springboard for future champions. Racquet sports have historically featured intermittently, with badminton consistently appearing between 2004-2015 and squash included in 2000 and 2015.

Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027: Squash Takes Center Stage

Malta, set to host the 8th Commonwealth Youth Games in 2027, has carefully selected eight sports tailored to existing venues, local enthusiasm, and sustainable practices. Notably, squash will be the only racquet sport featured, marking its return after a 12-year absence since the 2015 Games.

Racquet Sports Analysis:

• Squash – Included: Squash was strategically selected for its compact logistical footprint, fitting neatly within Malta's available facilities and financial constraints. This inclusion is timely, providing crucial visibility after squash's exclusion from the 2026 senior Commonwealth Games due to budget and logistical constraints. The World Squash Federation has embraced this decision as a key opportunity to boost youth participation and maintain the sport’s Commonwealth relevance.

• Badminton – Excluded: Despite badminton’s historical significance and popularity within the Commonwealth, it has been omitted primarily due to logistical and venue limitations in Malta. Badminton typically requires larger facilities and greater resources than squash, making it less practical for the host nation's smaller-scale setup. This absence follows badminton’s recent omission from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, suggesting a temporary strategic pause rather than permanent exclusion.

• Emerging Sports (Padel, Pickleball) – Not Considered: Rapidly growing racquet sports such as padel and pickleball were not included, reflecting their current limited Commonwealth penetration and infrastructure. Their absence highlights a cautious and deliberate approach by the Commonwealth Games Federation, awaiting greater global adoption and stronger advocacy before future inclusion becomes feasible.

Strategic and Logistical Implications

Malta’s decision to focus on squash exemplifies practical, sustainable event management, leveraging existing infrastructure while minimizing new construction and environmental impact. Squash’s inclusion provides potential long-term benefits, encouraging local facility investments and youth participation.

Badminton’s temporary exclusion underscores the pragmatic realities faced by smaller hosts, emphasizing logistical feasibility and sustainability. Nevertheless, badminton’s global reach ensures minimal long-term repercussions, maintaining its strong presence through other international junior competitions.

Emerging racquet sports padel and pickleball remain on the periphery, with future inclusion likely dependent on continued growth, strategic lobbying, and broader Commonwealth adoption.

Conclusion

The racquet sports selection for the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games reflects careful strategic choices balancing tradition, local capability, sustainability, and global sporting trends. Squash emerges as the clear beneficiary, badminton awaits future opportunities, and newer sports like padel and pickleball remain potential candidates for future Games.