'We were speechless': Northamptonshire star's surprise Commonwealth Games call-up
James Hazell was all set to watch the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer, until he got a call to tell him he would be playing in them instead.
The 3x3 wheelchair basketballer had planned to watch England’s games with his family as he did four years ago but instead received the call-up to join the squad.
With his old plans quickly shelved, Hazell is fully focussed on helping Team England upgrade their bronze medal from four years ago as part of a brand-new squad.
He said: “I told my parents first, then rang my boyfriend, and then everyone in my family. They were more shocked than me, because we had planned to go to Glasgow, even if I wasn't playing. To actually be going as an athlete is a bit overwhelming.
“We were speechless. When I got back home after a two-and-a-bit-hour drive, it got very emotional between my family and me. We actually get to celebrate my achievements in sport at a major tournament in Glasgow with everyone.”
The 25-year-old from Northamptonshire is no stranger to success, having captained the University of Nottingham to a BUCS title in 2025. He was also part of the Great Britain team that won silver at the World University Championships.
Last year, he played semi-professionally for HSB Marseille Handi SUD Basket in France, finishing the season in fifth position.
He said: “I loved playing abroad, loved just focusing on being a full-time athlete instead of trying to be a student at the same time. The city was beautiful, especially being able to live on the coast and go to training and then after training go down to the beach and just relax.
“I just want to enjoy it and then build the relationships we've got with these guys. We've played with each other for so many years already, so, let's see what we can do.
“We're not the tallest, but we probably are one of the fastest teams, so seeing what we can bring to the three-on-three game and maybe redefining it somehow.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33million is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as our athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are supported across the UK.