Glasgow 2026: India's Medal Hopes Dimmed with Sport Cuts

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have trimmed their sports lineup, excluding key events like hockey, badminton, and shooting, affecting India's medal prospects significantly. The streamlined Games, limited to four venues, will focus on cost-effectiveness and operational risk management, including only 10 sports disciplines.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature a scaled-back roster of sports, posing a challenge to India's medal expectations. Key sports such as hockey, badminton, and shooting were excluded from the lineup, unveiled by the host city as part of efforts to keep the event budget-friendly.

The streamlined event will see competitions across just four venues, emphasizing financial prudence and operational risk reduction. The Games will comprise only 10 sports, a significant reduction from the previous edition, aligning with the Commonwealth Games Federation's strategy to manage costs.

India, a strong contender in the dropped sports, sees a setback in its medal prospects. Shooting was notably absent due to logistical challenges, while badminton and hockey were removed, partially due to proximity issues and global event clashes.

(With inputs from agencies.)