‘Deeply appalled’: India’s sporting heroes shocked by Commonwealth Games trimming

India’s sporting heroes and administrators were shocked by the axing of medal-yielding sports from the Commonwealth Games roster in 2026. As many as nine sports, including some of India’s most productive — boxing, wrestling, hockey, cricket and badminton – have been dropped from the Glasgow 2026 Games. The decision was announced on Tuesday, October 22, is aimed at cost-cutting and avoiding logistical issues.
Glasgow chipped in to host the Commonwealth Games after Victoria withdrew its hosting rights last year due to rising costs. The organisers have limited the Games only to four venues in the Scottish city. As many as 19 spots were part of the last edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2022 in Birmingham. Only 10 will be part of the 2026 edition. Shooting, one of India’s most productive sports, will not be part of the CWG for two successive editions.
Explained: Why were 9 sports dropped from Commonwealth Games
The decision is being seen as a big blow to India’s hopes of continuing their successful run at the Commonwealth Games. Out of the total 564 medals won over 18 editions, India have won 135 in shooting, 114 in wrestling, 44 in boxing and 31 in badminton. Table tennis, which has also been dropped from the roster, has contributed to 28 medals for India.
Here’s how India’s sporting heroes and administrations reacted to the reduced roster of CWG 2026.
Pullela Gopichand (Badminton Coach)
“I am deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision to exclude badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow—a judgment that appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India. Badminton has brought us immense pride and success, serving as a vital platform for our brightest talents to shine on the international stage. This decision represents a significant lapse not just for Indian badminton, but for the sport worldwide, lacking clear reasoning and jeopardising its growth. It is crucial that we raise our voices and bring this issue to the appropriate authorities to ensure badminton continues to thrive and inspire future generations. As the sport experiences exponential growth globally, the reasons for its exclusion must be scrutinised and discussed with the relevant stakeholders. We cannot allow such shortsighted decisions to undermine the progress we have tirelessly achieved.”
Vimal Kumar (Badminton Coach)
“There is no need for the CWG. In my opinion, they should do away with it. It is better to organise the Olympics and Asian Games than the CWG. It is pathetic; I am really disappointed. The CWG is losing its charm and relevance, so I feel strongly we shouldn’t send out a team for the CWG; it is not required,” former India player Vimal told PTI.
“Instead of the CWG, it is important to look at ways to provide better facilities to athletes at the Olympics and Asian Games. The CWG is not required. You have to put good physical sports in the program; if you take away all that, then what’s the point?” he added.
Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
“It’s shocking news and very disappointing, but it’s not in our hands.”
Sharath Kamal (Table Tennis)
“It is a pity that table tennis has been taken off the CWG programme, but the organisers have informed they had very short notice as it moved from Melbourne to Glasgow. Unfortunately, it is not part of the 10 sports. It is quite a hit for all the sports which have been excluded, especially table tennis, where we have won gold medals,” he told PTI news agency.
G Sathiyan (Table Tennis)
“It is disappointing to see a mainstream sport like table tennis get excluded. It is surprising. Huge loss for the Indian table tennis fraternity. Hope something can be done. It is a shocker for all of us.”
Dipika Pallikal (Squash)
“Whenever it seems like we are moving a few steps forward for the sport, we are suddenly pulled back two steps. Huge loss for the Commonwealth countries that our sport isn’t included. I think squash really deserves to be part of all the multi-sport events, and it’s definitely a huge loss that our sport cannot be showcased at the CWG,” she told PTI.
International Hockey Body Statement
“… Whilst we’ve taken note that the new concept for 2026 has been downsized, with a core offering of only 10 sports, we’re all the more disappointed by the CGF’s decision. Our sport has been played at every Commonwealth Games since 1998, something we are very proud of.”
Sanjay Singh (Wrestling Federation of India president)
“It is naturally very disappointing. India has always been a very strong wrestling nation at the CWG. It’s definitely going to hurt the wrestling community in India. We tried our best to convince the CGF to keep the sport on the roster. But if you see, Scotland does not have strong wrestlers, so they must have looked at their own medal prospects, which usually the host nations do.”
Sanjay Mishra (Badminton Association of India, General Secretary)
“It’s shocking and a huge setback for Indian sports, with nearly 40 medals at risk from the dropped events. This isn’t just a loss for sports and sportspersons; it feels like a conspiracy to sideline India’s rising sporting potential in the region.”
Kalikesh Singh Deo (National Rifle Association of India, president)
“This will be a very different Commonwealth Games with many popular Olympic sports not included in what will be a watered-down version of the Games. We can only wish those who will participate all the best. The Government of India, Ministry of Sports, and IOA did everything possible to include sports in which India is traditionally strong. The NRAI offered to host the shooting part of the games in India, subject to relevant approvals. In the end, we should rally around and appreciate Scotland’s effort in hosting the Games.”