In a shocking turn of events, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature a mere 10 sports, a significant drop from the 19 showcased in Birmingham 2022. This drastic reduction is poised to have far-reaching consequences for India’s medal prospects and athlete participation in the quadrennial event.
A Blow to India’s Medal Hopes
The axing of nine sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games program deals a severe blow to India’s medal aspirations. Among the excluded disciplines are wrestling, table tennis, and badminton, which have traditionally been India’s strongholds in the event. The absence of these sports is likely to significantly dent India’s overall medal tally.
Wrestling Woes
Wrestling, in particular, has been a consistent source of medals for India at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 edition in Birmingham, all 12 Indian wrestlers returned with medals, contributing a whopping 12 out of India’s total of 61 medals. The omission of wrestling from the 2026 program is a massive setback for India’s medal aspirations.
The absence of wrestling at the 2026 Commonwealth Games is a huge disappointment for us. It’s an event where we have consistently performed well and brought glory to the nation.
– A senior member of the Wrestling Federation of India
Table Tennis Troubles
Table tennis is another sport where India has made significant strides in recent years, with veterans like Achanta Sharath Kamal and rising stars such as Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran leading the charge. However, with the sport not featuring in the 2026 Games, India’s paddlers will miss out on a golden opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Badminton Blues
Badminton, too, has been a medal-yielding sport for India at the Commonwealth Games. Stars like PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and Lakshya Sen have consistently delivered podium finishes for the nation. The absence of badminton from the 2026 program robs India of a chance to continue its dominance in the sport at the event.
Reduced Athlete Participation
The reduction in the number of sports will also have a significant impact on athlete participation. Of the 210 Indian athletes who took part in the Birmingham Games, 98 competed in sports that have now been dropped. This constitutes nearly 47% of the entire contingent, meaning India is likely to send a much smaller squad to Glasgow in 2026.
Financial Implications for Athletes
The exclusion of certain sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games also has financial implications for the athletes. A Commonwealth Games medal often paves the way for cash rewards and government jobs, which are crucial for an athlete’s long-term financial security. With fewer opportunities to compete and win medals, many athletes may face an uncertain future.
Winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games can be life-changing for an athlete. It opens up avenues for financial support and job opportunities. The absence of some sports in 2026 is a massive blow to the athletes who have been training hard in those disciplines.
– A former Indian athlete and sports administrator
Glimmer of Hope
Despite the setback, there is still a glimmer of hope for India’s athletes. The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will feature many of the sports that have been dropped from the Commonwealth Games. This gives the athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills and vie for medals at another major multi-sport event.
Moreover, India’s athletics contingent has been going from strength to strength, with promising performances at the recent Olympics and World Championships. The nation’s lawn bowls team, too, sprung a surprise by winning a historic gold at the Birmingham Games. These disciplines, which are part of the 2026 program, could help soften the blow of the reduced medal prospects.
The Road Ahead
As India comes to terms with the reality of a truncated 2026 Commonwealth Games, the focus must shift towards preparing the athletes for the challenges ahead. The sports ministry, along with the national sports federations, need to devise a comprehensive plan to ensure that the athletes have the necessary support and resources to train and compete at the highest level.
The exclusion of certain sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games is undoubtedly a setback for India’s medal aspirations. However, it is also an opportunity for the nation to introspect and reassess its sporting priorities. By investing in grassroots development, nurturing talent, and providing world-class facilities, India can ensure that its athletes continue to shine on the global stage, regardless of the challenges thrown their way.
