First ever Commonwealth Games to debut Braille medals in Glasgow

Militsa Milenková, designer of the official medals for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, poses with a medal (Getty Images) Glasgow 2026 will make Commonwealth Games history by introducing braille and tactile medals, ensuring that visually impaired athletes can experience their achievements in a more inclusive way. This innovation marks the first time Commonwealth Games medals have been designed with braille, reflecting the organizers’ wider commitment to accessibility and inclusion. This vision is also evident in the Games programme, which includes a record 47 gold medals across six Para sports, making it the largest Para sports program in the history of the Commonwealth Games. In total, athletes will compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports and six para sports. The medals themselves deviate from tradition even in their appearance. Instead of the conventional circular design, they were created in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle, inspired by the Glasgow coat of arms. Several elements of the host city’s identity were incorporated into the design. The engraved designs draw inspiration from the Finnieston Crane, one of Glasgow’s most iconic landmarks and a tribute to the city’s shipping heritage. The textured surface reflects the tartan, a symbol synonymous with Scotland, while the three raised levels on the medal represent the first, second and third steps of the dais. The medal was created by the award-winning artist Militsa Milenková, who was born in Bulgaria and is an artist-in-residence at the Glasgow School of Art. Her concept was selected from submissions by students and artists from the institution’s Silversmithing and Jewelery programme. Commonwealth Games medals traditionally reflect the identity of the host city, and the Glasgow edition continues that tradition. It also sets a new standard by becoming the first medal in the event’s history to feature Braille, making one of sport’s greatest honors more accessible to any athlete who earns it.