India Fumes as Key Sports Axed from 2026 Commonwealth Games

The decision to exclude several sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including badminton, cricket, hockey, and shooting, has sparked outrage in India. The streamlined version of the games contains only 10 sports, down from 19, after the Australian state's withdrawal over cost issues. The move has been criticized for potentially stunting India's sporting achievements.

The decision by the 2026 Commonwealth Games organizers to exclude several sports prominent in India has provoked sharp reactions from Indian sports officials. The venue move to Glasgow followed the original Australian host's withdrawal over financial constraints.

Sports like badminton, cricket, hockey, and shooting were all slashed from the lineup. The Indian sporting community, with a strong showing in the previous Games, is particularly aggrieved. India's chief national badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand, expressed deep disappointment, arguing the exclusion stunts global sporting progress.

India's prowess in these sports is undeniable; they finished fourth in the last Games with substantial medals from the now-excluded events. The Commonwealth Games Federation insists the streamlined model is designed not to require public funding, but Indian officials remain dissatisfied, calling for dialogue with international governing bodies.

(With inputs from agencies.)