From the pool to the podium: How New Zealand's Haka has taken Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games by storm
Updated 29/07/2026 at 16:56 GMT+1
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Usually seen on rugby pitches around the world when New Zealand’s All Blacks play, the Haka has taken the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games by storm - and has been performed poolside and by medal podiums.
Watch as gold medallist Clareburt leads 'brilliant' poolside haka with team-mates in Glasgow
Video credit: TNT Sports
The traditional Maori ceremonial dance is usually performed before rugby matches by New Zealand to challenge opponents and to prepare the team for the match.
But it is also used to acknowledge achievements and mark occasions, such as winning a medal at the Games.
Swimmer Lewis Clareburt said he was "super proud to be a Kiwi" after he performed the Haka with his team-mates following his victory in the 400m individual medley.
Clareburt faced his team-mates as they did the Haka poolside at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
”You see the All Blacks do it before a game of rugby and that’s a show of challenge but also a show of respect for the New Zealand culture," said Clareburt.
”It’s something we’ve done for years. I’m glad New Zealand has it as part of our culture and I hope it continues.
"To get it done to you after a race is even more special. I think people really love that and respect it. It makes me super proud to be a Kiwi.”
Olympian Iwan Thomas said it gave him ”goosebumps” to see the Haka performed.
”That is just beautiful to see," said Thomas on TNT Sports.
"A nation celebrating together with all the different athletes, tradition, culture, history, love, respect, pride, it’s all there, and it’s so nice to see.”
New Zealand’s Cameron McTaggart also celebrated his weightlifting silver medal with a Haka.
McTaggart performed the Haka with team members, as well as his family, including sister Olivia, who is competing in the pole vault.
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New Zealand celebrate weightlifting silver medal with EPIC haka
Video credit: TNT Sports
”It's so special to have everyone there," said McTaggart. "They all know how hard this camp has been.
"It's been a really tough lead-up, and to have everyone there and really show that mana is so special."
The New Zealand netball team, the Silver Ferns, also performed the Haka to honour manager Esther Molloy’s 200th game.
The team did the Haka on the court with Molloy watching on following New Zealand’s 53-48 win over Jamaica.
What has been the best Haka of the Games so far?
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