India’s chances of winning medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have changed significantly. Shooting, badminton, wrestling, cricket, hockey, and other important sports have been removed from the schedule. This choice is meant to make the event more affordable.
Glasgow is attempting to reduce expenses and simplify logistics by cutting sports. Additionally, triathlon, squash, and table tennis have been eliminated, and the event will only be held at four locations. The entire number of events will be nine fewer than the Birmingham edition in 2022.
Hockey, wrestling, and shooting are among the sports in which India has historically excelled. India’s medal total will probably be impacted by this decrease. Ten disciplines make up the updated list, which emphasizes sports with higher levels of Scottish participation. Glasgow’s choice could change the dynamics of India’s involvement in the Games by giving priority to logistical efficiency and financial sustainability.
“The Games will include 10 sports – striking a balance between ensuring the event has a multi-sport feel and the need to manage financial and operational risk,” the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement.
“The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), 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 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball,” the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement.
The Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2:
Glasgow will host the mega-event for the 23rd time from July 23 to August 2, marking the event’s 12th hosting anniversary after the 2014 edition.
“The Games will take place across four venues — Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation,” it added.
India’s Commonwealth Games performance has been strong, with notable medals in hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling. However, the Birmingham 2022 edition will not feature these sports due to logistical reasons. The exclusion of shooting, which has secured 135 medals, is particularly damaging. Hockey, badminton, cricket, squash, and table tennis are also missing from the roster. India’s athletes have shown promise in these sports.
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