The Indian government is preparing to take a strong stance against the exclusion of key sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow. In response to the event’s organisers announcing a “scaled-down” competition featuring just 10 sports, India plans to formally lodge a protest as per TOI with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
Key Disciplines Dropped from CWG Glasgow
Sports such as hockey, badminton, table tennis, shooting, and wrestling—where India has traditionally excelled—have been left out of the 2026 schedule. These omissions have caused widespread disappointment in India, as these events have contributed significantly to the country’s medal haul in previous Games.
According to sources, the Indian government will send official letters to CGF President Chris Jenkins, CGF CEO Katie Sadleir, and the Glasgow Games’ organising committee to express its dissatisfaction. A government official noted, “The government will remind the CGF that it is under no obligation to send the Indian contingent to the CWG” and reserves the right to decide on India’s future participation.
Participation in Glasgow 2026 Uncertain
While the government has not yet made an official decision on boycotting the Glasgow 2026 Games, a meeting with stakeholders governing Indian sports is expected soon to discuss the matter. Sources indicate that the final decision on whether to send a contingent will rest with the central government, with various sporting federations likely to be consulted.
The Indian government is also aiming to apply pressure on the CGF to ensure that future hosts of the Commonwealth Games take India’s interests into account when planning the sporting schedule. The removal of key sports from the Glasgow Games has already drawn criticism from several other Commonwealth nations as well.
Scaled-Down 2026 Commonwealth Games
For the 2026 CWG, the organisers have chosen only 10 sports: athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and para bowls, and 3×3 basketball and wheelchair basketball. In contrast, the Birmingham 2022 edition featured 19 sports.
India had a highly successful outing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning 61 medals, including 22 gold. Wrestling, which contributed 12 medals, was one of the most successful sports for India. Other significant contributions came from weightlifting, athletics, boxing, and table tennis.
Pressure to restore Key Sports
The government’s protest aims not just to highlight its displeasure over the 2026 schedule but also to ensure that future editions of the Commonwealth Games are not scaled down to the detriment of key sports. Indian officials hope that their intervention will encourage the inclusion of disciplines where the country has a strong tradition of excellence.
The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games is set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, and discussions over India’s participation will continue in the coming months.
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