India’s medal hopes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games have taken a blow because of a big reduction in the number of sports in the event. It was set to run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow; this edition will include 10 sports, with the goal of cutting expenses. Major disciplines where Indian athletes have excelled, such as hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling, have been removed.

Glasgow is set to host the Games again after a 12-year gap since the 2014 event. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has stated that the 2026 Games will include fewer sports than the 19 featured in Birmingham in 2022. Cricket, table tennis, squash, and road racing are among the sports that won’t be part of the event.

India’s medal hopes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games have taken a blow because of a big reduction in the number of sports in the event. It was set to run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow; this edition will include 10 sports, with the goal of cutting expenses. Major disciplines where Indian athletes have excelled, such as hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling, have been removed.

Glasgow is set to host the Games again after a 12-year gap since the 2014 event. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has stated that the 2026 Games will include fewer sports than the 19 featured in Birmingham in 2022. Cricket, table tennis, squash, and road racing are among the sports that won’t be part of the event.

India has done well in the Commonwealth Games in sports that aren’t part of the event this time. The country has won countless medals in hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling—none of which will be there now.

 

Not having shooting is a big deal, as India has grabbed 135 medals in this sport, with 63 golds making it key to their success. Wrestling has also been a strong point, with 114 medals won over time.

Hockey’s absence is a blow; Indian men have won three silver and two bronze medals, while the women’s team has grabbed three medals, including a landmark gold in 2002. In badminton, India was ready to protect several titles after gathering 31 medals (10 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze), but it won’t compete this time. Cricket, where India got a silver medal with the women’s team in 2022, is also not on the list, along with squash and table tennis, both of which have shown potential for Indian athletes.