Commonwealth Games Cut Medal‑Heavy Sports, Threatening India's Medal Prospects for 2026

Commonwealth Games officials have cut badminton, wrestling, field hockey, cricket and table tennis from the 2026 Glasgow program, citing scheduling constraints and low global participation, according to the event’s latest sport list.

India faces a potential drop in its medal haul because the excluded sports contributed the majority of its podium finishes in previous Commonwealth Games, prompting officials to label the change a “big blow” for the nation’s overall tally.

Wrestling and field hockey, long‑standing medal sources for India, were removed despite the sport’s strong regional following, leading the Indian Olympic Association to request a review of the decision before the Games open.

Badminton, where India secured multiple golds in the 2018 and 2022 editions, is also omitted, raising concerns among athletes and coaches that the reduced event slate could lower the country's rank among the top five Commonwealth sporting nations.