India Protests Hockey, Other Sports Exclusion from 2026 Commonwealth Games

Hockey India's Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, voiced dismay over the exclusion of hockey from the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, calling for accountability from the Indian Olympic Association. The trimmed sports list has raised concerns about India's medal prospects and the country's sporting legacy on the global stage.

The recent decision to exclude hockey from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has ignited a wave of dissatisfaction among Indian sports officials. Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, expressed his disappointment on Tuesday over the sport's omission, questioning the motives behind the decision.

Singh highlighted India's strong hockey performance, particularly noting victories against Australia. He criticized the lack of communication and transparency, attributing a significant role to the Indian Olympic Association's oversight. "The Indian Olympic Association should have addressed this," Singh emphasized while speaking to ANI.

With the removal of ten sports, Singh raised concerns about India's diminished chances for medals, traditionally secured in sports like wrestling, shooting, and table tennis. As India grapples with this setback, the call for clarity from authorities intensifies. The 2026 Games will feature only ten sports, a significant reduction from the 20 sports in the 2022 edition.

(With inputs from agencies.)