Historic first at Commonwealth Games as Braille medals debut in Glasgow
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature medals designed with Braille and tactile elements for the first time. The design also incorporates local cultural symbols like the Reuleaux triangle and tartan patterns.
Why it matters
This initiative represents a significant step forward in accessibility and inclusive design for major international sporting events.
Glasgow 2026 will make Commonwealth Games history by introducing medals featuring braille and tactile elements, ensuring visually impaired athletes can experience their achievements in a more inclusive way. The innovation marks the first time Commonwealth Games medals have been designed with braille, reflecting the organisers' broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion. That vision is also evident in the Games programme, which includes a record 47 gold medals across six Para sports, making it the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history. In total, athletes will compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports and six Para sports. The medals themselves also break away from tradition in their appearance. Instead of the conventional circular design, they have been crafted in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle, inspired by Glasgow's coat of arms. Several elements of the host city's identity have been incorporated into the design.
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