Major Sports excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games
In a significant blow to India’s prospects for medals at the Commonwealth Games, several essential sports, including hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, and shooting, have been dropped from the 2026 edition, which Glasgow will host
The host city has unveiled a streamlined roster of just ten disciplines to keep the Commonwealth event budget-friendly. Other sports, such as table tennis and triathlon, have also been removed from the lineup, reflecting the need to control costs and simplify logistics, as only four venues will host the entire event. The 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, will reduce nine events compared to the previous edition held in Birmingham. The Games will feature athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and 3×3 basketball, as confirmed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). The selected venues include Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), with athletes in nearby hotels. The exclusion of these popular sports is a setback for India’s medal tally, given that many of the country’s past medals were secured in these disciplines. Shooting dropped from the Birmingham edition four years ago is unlikely to return, primarily due to logistical challenges, as the shooting venue, Barry Buddon, is located over 100 kilometers from Glasgow.
Archery also remains absent, having last appeared in the 2010 Delhi Games. Hockey’s omission is particularly noteworthy, as it has traditionally been an intense sport for India, with the men’s team earning multiple medals in previous editions. The women’s hockey team also made history by winning gold in 2002. Similarly, badminton has contributed significantly to India’s medal tally, with 31 medals, including notable performances in singles and doubles events. The Indian shooting contingent has historically been a powerhouse, contributing 135 medals to the country’s overall count. With cricket’s reintroduction in 2022, the women’s team notably won a silver medal, adding to the disappointment of the sport’s absence in 2026. However, the 2026 Games will continue to feature para-athletes, with six para-sports integrated into the program, emphasizing the CGF’s commitment to inclusivity. Limiting the sports roster follows Victoria’s withdrawal as the original host due to rising costs, leading Scotland to step in. The CGF has stated that the event will bring in over £100 million in investment for Glasgow, with an expected economic impact of more than £150 million for the region. The federation aims to create a sustainable model that minimizes costs, reduces environmental impact, and enhances social benefits for the Commonwealth Games’ future, as stated by CGF CEO Katie Sadleir.
