India's Outcry: Sports Axed from 2026 Commonwealth Games

India has expressed strong dissatisfaction after several sports favored by the nation were excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The revised, leaner event, trimmed down from 19 to 10 sports, omits badminton, cricket, hockey, and shooting, evoking criticism from top Indian sports figures.

India has voiced its strong dissatisfaction over significant changes to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which saw many of the country's favored sports being axed. The Scottish city took over as host after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew due to financial concerns.

The revised format of the Games, reduced from 19 to 10 sports, notably excludes badminton, cricket, hockey, and shooting. This decision has drawn heavy criticism from Indian sports authorities and key figures, such as Pullela Gopichand, the nation's chief badminton coach.

The Commonwealth Games Federation announced that the streamlined version of the event won't need public funding. Despite this, the Indian Olympic Association and the Badminton Association of India plan to engage with relevant international bodies to discuss these contentious exclusions.

(With inputs from agencies.)