Blow to India’s CWG prospects as hockey, wrestling dropped

In a body blow to India’s medal prospects in the Commonwealth Games, key sports such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket and shooting have been dropped from the 2026 edition by host city Glasgow, which unveiled a pruned roster of 10 disciplines to keep the event budget-friendly and free of “operational risks”.

Table tennis, squash and triathlon have also been axed in a bid to limit the cost and streamline logistics given that only four venues will host the entire showpiece. The total number of events at the games will be nine fewer compared to the 2022 Birmingham edition.

The axing of shooting, wrestling and badminton has angered past and present stars. In a social media post, Pullela Gopichand criticised the decision. “I am deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision to exclude badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow — a judgement that appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India,” he wrote on his Instagram page. Shooting, wrestling and hockey combined to boost India’s tally with five medal contributions at the Paris Olympic Games. Shooting and wrestling have won India 135 and 114 medals, respectively, in the Commonwealth Games.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Singh Deo has also criticised the decision.

“It is disappointing that shooting hasn’t been included in the CWG. Many popular Olympic sports have not been included in what will be a watered-down version of the games. We can only wish those who will participate ‘all the best’. The Government of India, Ministry of Sports and the IOA did everything possible to include sports which India is traditionally strong in. The NRAI offered to host the shooting part of the games in India, subject to relevant approvals. In the end, we should rally around and appreciate Scotland’s effort in hosting the games,” he said in a statement.

However, all is not lost as the 2030 edition of the games will have a full sports programme and it is likely that shooting, wrestling, hockey and badminton will all be included. Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins had told The Tribune last month that the full sports programme would be restored from the 2030 games. (With PTI inputs)