Speak of the Games, Day 3: ‘Everyone’s pleasant in Scotland – particularly once you’re enjoying the English’

Some of the very best quotes from Day 3 of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Here’s a choice of what the athletes have needed to say because the motion heats up in Glasgow. 

Australia have to date been successful followers and overpowering all-comers within the Netball event. On Sunday it was England who had been the victims, happening 66-47 to the champions from Birmingham 2022. According to the Diamonds’ purpose shooter Sophie Garbin (pictured) there’s a good purpose the Scottish crowd is getting behind the Aussies: 

“We had a great time in Edinburgh, loved that. It was a bit like ‘spot the tourist’ because we were wearing our ‘I Love Scotland’ T-shirts. Lots of friendly people, to be honest everyone’s friendly in Scotland – especially when you’re playing the English, then they’re even more friendly to you.”

Gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera has switched allegiance from the USA to Sri Lanka, the nation of her dad and mom’ beginning, and has been relishing her time in Glasgow on the Commonwealth Games:

“It was my first Opening Ceremony ever, so I will always remember that. It’s something I’ve tattooed in my brain because it was just so incredible. I’ve met such incredible people, and it’s an experience that I will remember forever.” 

It may have been a ‘blink and you will miss it’ second, however Scotland‘s Stephanie Kernachan was decided to stay upbeat regardless of exiting the Boxing competitors in her opening bout of the Women’s 54kg:

“This has been my whole career, has been all geared up toward this moment. It’s weird because it’s always been in the future, but it was here right now, today, so aye, it’s here, and it’s done and really gutted that it’s over already.”

Pakistan bowler Mohammed Ayub Qureshi, proprietor of a Glasgow-based restaurant, has turn out to be one thing of a breakout star on the 2026 Games. His shock Men’s Singles win over part chief Rajnesh Prasad of Fiji on Sunday reignited the semi-final hopes of dwelling favorite Jason Banks: 

“I did Jason a favour there, so I expect him to come to the restaurant and buy a curry (laughs).”

Gymnast Reuben Ward will always remember the native help on the Glasgow International Arena, after he received Scotland‘s first-ever Men’s Artistic Gymnastics All-Around gold medal.

“Everyone was jumping around me, screaming and celebrating. That was so special. It was a wave of emotions I’d never experienced before. Then standing in front of the crowd with my flag, just living in the moment and loving it. Running around giving people high fives felt so surreal. Everyone wanted to high five me, and I loved it. It was great.”

When you are away from dwelling for lengthy intervals, it is good to have a reminder of your family members shut at hand. Or within the case of Australia‘s Basketball 3×3 star Marena Whittle – whose enjoying profession has taken her world wide – tattooed in your pores and skin:

“I have been playing away from home for the last 12 years, so this is my way of keeping everyone with me. I have got my mum, my brother and my family all over my body. And Hercules on my shoulder – that is for myself.”

Weightlifter Morea Baru claimed Papua New Guinea’s first medal of the Games, taking bronze within the Men’s 65kg class, and mentioned he knew his household can be watching from dwelling, regardless of it being 4am on the Pacific Island nation.

“I’m so happy to win this medal for my country, and I know they’re still awake. It’s four o’clock there, but I know, especially my family, they’re still awake cheering for me… Before the competition they were saying, ‘We’re going to be up. We don’t care what time it is, we’ll be up cheering for you, so go for it’. So that pushed me to win this medal.”