The Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow has dropped key sports like hockey, cricket, and badminton from its roster, significantly impacting India’s medal prospects. Only ten sports will be featured from July 23 to August 2, with the aim of managing costs and logistics. This exclusion marks a dramatic shift given India’s historical success in these disciplines.
India faces a significant setback as the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow cuts major sports such as hockey, cricket, and badminton from the roster. This decision drastically reduces India’s chance of securing medals, as these disciplines have historically contributed greatly to India’s medal tally. The event will occur from July 23 to August 2, with only ten sports being featured to streamline logistics and manage costs effectively. The Commonweath Games Federation has announced that sports like athletics, swimming, judo, and 3×3 basketball will take center stage at this year’s event, spread over just four venues effectively. Unfortunately, the exclusion of popular sports such as cricket and hockey—which have brought home numerous medals—will likely hinder India’s ability to add to its medal count, amidst a backdrop of tightened budgets and logistical challenges. Notably, hockey’s absence is particularly painful, as India has a rich history in the sport, including multiple medals in past Commonwealth Games. Badminton, where India was set to defend its titles, is also missing from the lineup, reducing the stakes for competitors. This situation arose partially due to the games being scheduled close to the World Cup and the necessity of keeping the costs low after Scotland stepped in to host the games in place of the original host, Victoria, Australia. The Commonwealth Games has previously allowed India to shine, especially in shooting, where the country claimed a staggering 135 medals. Those winning opportunities evaporate as shooting, alongside several other sports, has been cut from the schedule entirely. However, the Games promises valuable benefits for Glasgow, including economic investment and a sustainable future model for hosting events.
The decision to omit numerous popular sports from the Commonwealth Games stems from a need for more efficient logistics and budgeting. Glasgow’s organizing committee aims to keep operational costs down while still delivering high-quality sporting events. This is particularly impactful for countries like India, which have traditionally excelled in various removed disciplines, potentially causing them to miss out on significant medal opportunities enhancing their prominence in international sports.
In conclusion, the omission of crucial sports from the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow is a heavy blow to India’s medal aspirations. The decision reflects broader budgetary and logistical needs but also limits competitive avenues for a country historically successful in these arenas. As Glasgow prepares for the Games, many Indian athletes are left grappling with the loss of key events that once boosted their chances for glory on this international platform.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
