Wrestling, badminton, hockey, and cricket among major sports excluded from 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

In a major shakeup for the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow, key sports like wrestling, badminton, hockey, cricket, shooting, table tennis, and squash have been excluded from the event. The decision to trim down the roster is part of the host city's efforts to cut costs and streamline logistics, following the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, due to rising expenses. (as per a report by The Hindu).

Glasgow stepped in to host the Games but has opted for a drastically reduced schedule of just 10 sports, a significant drop from the 19 sports included in the 2022 Birmingham edition.

The exclusion of these sports is particularly damaging to India's medal prospects, as they have consistently performed well in wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey at previous editions.

Despite widespread speculation, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and International Hockey Federation (FIH) have not yet commented on the decision.

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Glasgow's cost-cutting strategy for the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The decision to slash the number of sports for the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games is a direct response to budgetary pressures. The Games will be held across four venues - Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Emirates Arena (which includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome), and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

This streamlined approach is intended to reduce logistical and operational costs, making the event more affordable for the host city. Scotland stepped in to host the Games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to escalating costs.

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Impact on medal contenders

India will feel the impact of this decision significantly. The exclusion of wrestling, shooting, badminton, and hockey, where India has historically excelled, will deal a huge blow to the country's medal hopes.

Indian men's hockey team, for instance, has won three silver and two bronze medals at previous CWGs, while the women’s team won gold in 2000. Wrestling and shooting have also contributed heavily to India's overall medal tally in the past.

Australia, which has dominated in hockey with a record seven men’s and four women’s gold medals, will also see a major hit to its medal chances with hockey being excluded from the Games.

With the revised schedule focusing on just 10 sports, the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games will be significantly leaner and less diverse in its sporting disciplines. The Games are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, marking Glasgow’s return as a host city after 12 years. The official sports program is expected to be out soon.