Commonwealth Games 2026: Wrestling Federation of India’s president Brijbhushan Singh has sought the help of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IOA, and the Sports Ministry after the exclusion of wrestling from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games Federation announced a list of 16 sports that excluded the likes of Wrestling, which has been one of India’s strengths at the Games. All in all, Indian Wrestlers have won 12 medals including five golds. Follow all Commonwealth Games live updates on Insidesport.in
Commonwealth Games: WFI President Brijbhushan Singh to Insidesport – “Will speak to Narendra Modi” after Wrestling’s ouster from 2026 games
In an exclusive chat with Insidesport, Wrestling Federation of India’s chief Brijbhushan Singh has rallied against Wrestling’s ouster from the Commonwealth Games and has sought the help of top officials including India’s prime minister Narendra Modi.
India have won 36 medals across the disciplines so far at the CWG, and the omission hurts India’s chances in Australia. When quizzed if there was any controversy behind the same, Singh rubbished those claims despite cricket’s debut at the games.
He said, “There is no conspiracy, the main sport of Australia is cricket. But we will not allow wrestling to be thrown out. We are also talking to UWW, IOA and the Sports Ministry on this matter. If needed I will speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “
Commonwealth Games: WFI President Brijbhushan Singh to Insidesport – “Will speak to Narendra Modi” after Wrestling’s ouster from 2026 games
In a list of games announced last week, major disciplines such as Wrestling, shooting and archery were omitted in what is a telling blow to India’s chances. Singh went as far as suggesting that the CWG 2026 would have “no meaning” with the omission of the said sports.
He said, “With the exclusion of Wrestling, Archery and shooting, the Commonwealth Games have no meaning.”
Incidentally, Wrestling was not included in the Commonwealth Games back when they were held in Melbourne in 2006. However, there are chances that the aforementioned sports are listed with the CGF open to a phased approach. In a statement, the organisers said, “There will be a phased approach in creating the sports programme for Victoria 2026. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year.”
Commonwealth Games: WFI President Brijbhushan Singh to Insidesport – “Will speak to Narendra Modi” after Wrestling’s ouster from 2026 games