Commonwealth Games 2026: Singapore lawn bowlers gear up for first indoor challenge in Glasgow

SINGAPORE: Team Singapore’s lawn bowlers are preparing for a new challenge at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where the sport will be played indoors for the first time.

The switch from traditional outdoor greens to an indoor carpet surface has prompted the four-member squad to adjust its preparations ahead of the Games, which will be held from Thursday (Jul 23) to Aug 2.

"It's playing indoors on a carpet that's different to all the greens we have in Singapore,” said Rodger Kimpton, president of national sports association Bowls Singapore.

Kimpton said the team has been travelling to Kuala Lumpur to train at an indoor facility alongside athletes from other countries.

“In terms of indoor versus outdoor, (like what) we have here, the speed is different. It's more gentle, and it's really about adaptation,” said lawn bowler Serena Tiong, who will compete in the women’s singles event.

The Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow after 12 years, with 215 gold medals across 10 sports up for grabs.

The sports include netball, judo and artistic gymnastics. The pared-down programme marks a contrast to the 2022 edition, which featured 19 sports and 280 medal events.

For the members of Team Singapore’s lawn bowling team, the Games will mark their first appearance on one of the sport’s biggest stages. 

“(It’s) definitely a big honour because the Commonwealth Games is one of the (highest) level competitions for lawn bowls. It’s one of the pinnacles,” said Cheo Ai Lin, who will compete in the women’s pairs with teammate Janice Tan. 

The 28-year-old said the downsized sports programme had initially left the team uncertain about whether lawn bowls would be included. 

“There were some rumours that said they were only sending