In a surprising move, the organizers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games have announced the exclusion of nine sports, including hockey and wrestling. This decision deals a significant blow to India’s medal prospects, as these sports have historically contributed heavily to the country’s success in the Games.
Apart from athletics, para-athletics, boxing, and weightlifting, India lacks strong gold medal contenders in the remaining sports. Six of the 12 disciplines in which India won medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games—accounting for 37 out of the total 61 medals—have been omitted from the 2026 edition.
The sports that have been dropped are badminton, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis, and wrestling. Notably, this marks a rare occurrence where no racquet sports are included in a multi-discipline event. Shooting and archery, two sports where India has traditionally excelled, were already excluded from the 2022 Games held in Birmingham.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to feature only 10 sports and approximately 3,000 athletes, a significant reduction from previous editions. The organizers have opted for a more streamlined event to manage costs effectively. Events will take place in a limited number of venues, and athletes will be accommodated in hotels instead of a dedicated Games Village.
This decision has sparked strong reactions from India’s sporting community. Former Commonwealth Games medalist and Indian Olympic Association executive council member Gagan Narang expressed his disappointment, stating that the move is disheartening for athletes who were preparing for these events. Badminton legend and national coach Pullela Gopichand also voiced his concerns, emphasizing that such decisions could undermine the progress made in these sports and affect future generations.
Originally, shooting was included in the initial program announced by Victoria, Australia, before they surrendered their hosting rights due to high costs. With the search for a new host, the organizers have made significant changes to the sports lineup to keep the Games within budget.
This development sets a new precedent where the sports program is determined based on available venues rather than selecting sports first and then building facilities. The organizers aim to utilize existing infrastructure to reduce expenses related to transport, security, and construction.
The exclusion of key sports not only affects the athletes but also has implications for fans and the overall appeal of the Commonwealth Games. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the future of the event and the performance of participating nations like India.
