King Charles III officially opens the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in a ceremony that marks the start of the 2026 event. Multiple outlets describe the Games as “slimmed down,” reflecting a redesigned approach following uncertainty around the competition’s future. The Games run over 11 days, with competition scheduled for about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. Athletes compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports in Glasgow, alongside six para-sports. Sources also note the Games’ link to Scottish culture during the opening ceremony, highlighting the event’s revival and renewed focus on sustainability. While the reports emphasize the reduced scale compared with past editions, they consistently outline the same overall participation figures, medal count, and the range of sporting and para-sport events. The opening formally sets the programme in motion for athletes representing Commonwealth members and territories across the city.