India’s medal prospects for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have taken a significant hit due to the exclusion of several key sports. The Commonwealth Games Federation has streamlined the event to include only 10 sports, down from 19 in Birmingham 2022. This decision was primarily motivated by budgetary concerns following Australia’s withdrawal as host.
Key Sports Excluded
The following sports, where India has historically excelled, will not be featured:
- Wrestling: India secured 12 medals in Birmingham, significantly contributing to its total of 61 medals.
- Badminton: The nation won 6 medals, including golds in both men’s and women’s singles.
- Shooting: India has amassed 135 medals in shooting historically, including 63 golds, making it one of the country’s strongest disciplines.
- Hockey: Both men’s and women’s teams have a rich legacy, with multiple medals won over the years.
- Cricket: The Indian women’s team won silver in Birmingham, marking a notable achievement.
Impact on Medal Tally
Approximately 47% of the athletes who participated in Birmingham were involved in sports now cut from the Glasgow Games. This will likely result in a smaller Indian contingent and a marked decline in medal opportunities.
Sports Retained for CWG 2026
The confirmed sports for the Glasgow Games include:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Boxing
- Weightlifting
- Judo
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Track Cycling
- Netball
- Bowls
- 3×3 Basketball
While these remaining sports offer some potential for medal wins, they do not match the historical performance levels seen in the excluded categories.
Future Considerations
The absence of these popular sports means that athletes who typically excel at the Commonwealth level will need to focus on other competitions, such as the Asian Games and upcoming Olympics. For instance, prominent athletes like PV Sindhu and Bajrang Punia may find their last realistic chances for medals at these events rather than at CWG 2026.In summary, India’s medal tally is expected to decline significantly due to the omission of key sports where it has had past success. The focus will now shift to maximizing performance in the remaining disciplines while adapting to this new competitive landscape.
