Major Setback for India at the 2026 Commonwealth Games: Key Sports Excluded
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community, the organizers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow have confirmed the exclusion of several prominent sports from the event’s program. This decision poses a major blow to India’s medal prospects, especially considering the country’s historical strengths in these disciplines. The announcement was made on Monday, leaving athletes, coaches, and fans grappling with the implications of this unexpected turn of events.
Excluded Sports: A Closer Look
The list of excluded sports is striking and includes hockey, badminton, table tennis, shooting, and wrestling. These sports have not only been integral to India’s success at previous Commonwealth Games but have also played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s sporting identity. For instance, hockey has been a part of the CWG since 1998, with India securing six medals, including one gold, across various editions. The Indian men’s team finished second in Birmingham, while the women’s team claimed bronze, underscoring the sport’s significance in the country’s athletic landscape.
Badminton and table tennis have also been sources of pride for India. In the 2022 Birmingham CWG, Indian athletes excelled in badminton, winning a remarkable six medals, including three golds. The performances of stars like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen were particularly noteworthy, as India topped the badminton rankings for the first time in CWG history. Similarly, table tennis has seen India consistently medal since its introduction in 2002, with a total of 20 medals to date.
Shooting and wrestling have been other strongholds for India at the CWG. The country has amassed an impressive 135 medals in shooting, including 63 golds, and has dominated wrestling with a tally of 114 medals, featuring 49 golds. The absence of these sports in Glasgow raises concerns about India’s ability to replicate its previous medal successes.
The New Sports Lineup
In stark contrast to the 19 sports featured in the Birmingham edition, the Glasgow Games will only include 10 sports disciplines: athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and para bowls, and 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. This scaled-down program has sparked disappointment among athletes and officials who believe that the exclusion of popular sports will diminish the competitive spirit of the Games.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The 23rd edition of the CWG is set to take place in Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026, returning to Glasgow 12 years after the successful 2014 edition. The Games will be hosted across four venues, including the Scotstoun Stadium and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. However, the decision to exclude key sports raises questions about the future of the Commonwealth Games and its ability to attract top-tier athletes.
Originally, the Australian state of Victoria was slated to host the 2026 CWG, but it withdrew due to soaring costs, resulting in a compensation payment of 380 million Australian dollars (approximately $256 million) to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). Glasgow’s acceptance of a "scaled down" Games has left many wondering if this trend will continue in future editions.
India’s Response and Protests
In response to the exclusion of these sports, the Indian government lodged a strong protest during a recent visit by CGF president Chris Jenkins and CEO Katie Sadleir. The Indian sporting community has expressed its discontent, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to the Games’ programming. The absence of sports where India has historically excelled could significantly impact the country’s overall medal tally and morale.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games begins, the exclusion of key sports such as hockey, badminton, table tennis, shooting, and wrestling raises serious concerns for India’s athletes and their supporters. The decision not only affects the immediate prospects for medals but also poses broader questions about the future of the Commonwealth Games as a platform for showcasing athletic talent. With the Indian sporting community rallying for change, the hope remains that the CGF will reconsider its approach and ensure that the Games remain a celebration of diverse sports and cultures.