Acting British High Commissioner to Malawi, Ben Nicholson at the send-off of Team Malawi
* May you compete with pride, perform to the very best of your abilities, create memories that last a lifetime
* And, with a little luck on your side, return home with medals as well. History is there to be made — we believe in you, Team Malawi
By Duncan Mlanjira
When presiding over the send-off of Team Malawi to send-off to this year’s Commonwealth Games, acting British High Commissioner to Malawi, Ben Nicholson, reminded just how special the bond between Scotland and Malawi truly, is — saying this is why this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow “feels like such a golden opportunity”.
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“The UK and Malawi share a deep and historic friendship, and there’s no better stage than the Commonwealth Games to celebrate what sport can do — bringing nations together, inspiring future generations and showcasing talent on a world stage,” he quoted as saying on official Facebook account, UK in Malawi.
“May you compete with pride, perform to the very best of your abilities, create memories that last a lifetime and, with a little luck on your side, return home with medals as well.”
The High Commission emphasised that “sport has always been one of the many threads connecting Malawi and the UK — through partnerships, coaching, exchanges and a shared belief that sport can break down barriers and bring people together”.
UK in Malawi further reports that the send-off room “was full of energy, pride and excitement — and rightly so; every athlete in that team has worked incredibly hard to earn their place”.
“We’ll be watching, cheering and celebrating every moment. Did you know? Every single Commonwealth Games medal Malawi has ever won was won in Scotland.
“Go Team Malawi — make us proud! History is there to be made — we believe in you, Team Malawi.”
Meanwhile, His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen will officially open the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 on Thursday July 23 at The Hydro.
A report by the website of orgarnising committee indicates that King Charles will read aloud the message he placed into the King’s Baton on Commonwealth Day, March 10, 2025, at Buckingham Palace, when he launched the Relay with Sir Chris Hoy as its first Batonbearer.
The reading of the message will mark the official opening of the XXIII Commonwealth Games, which will see over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports over 11 days.
Across 500 days, the Baton has visited all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories — the longest relay in the Games’ history — with each nation crafting and decorating its own Baton to reflect its culture and identity.
The baton is made from ash wood and has the Commonwealth Sport logo and Glasgow 2026 carved into it
Alongside its journey, the Relay has carried forward the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Plastics Campaign, run in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, which has brought communities together for coastal clean-ups and awareness events across the Commonwealth in support of its goal to keep a million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waters.
In Glasgow, all 74 Batons will be reunited for the first time, and the Scotland Baton, handmade in the city from sustainably sourced ash, will be presented to His Majesty so that the message hidden within it can be read aloud.
King Charles III places his message into the Commonwealth Baton at Buckingham Palace in London on March 10, 2025. (Picture credit: Jonathan Brady via Getty Images)
Taking place in one of the world’s leading entertainment venues, The Hydro, the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony it is set to be a stunning show that reflects the city’s warmth, enterprise and pride in welcoming the Commonwealth to Glasgow.
Sir Chris Hoy, six-time Olympic gold medallist and two-time Commonwealth champion, is quoted as saying: “It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with Their Majesties The King and Queen.
“A home Games is always a special occasion and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself.
“I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event; and I very much look forward to being a part of it. The countdown is on!”
On his part, Commonwealth Sport president, Dr Donald Rukare said: “As the first Commonwealth Games of His Majesty’s reign, and the culmination of the first King’s Baton Relay, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved in the Commonwealth Games.
“Glasgow 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. As athletes from 74 nations and territories come together, the opening ceremony will set the tone for a Games that celebrates world-class sport, friendship and the unique ability of the Commonwealth Games to bring people together.”
