India’s Medal Hopes Take a Hit: The Impact of Reduced Sports at CWG 2026
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature only 10 sports, down from 19 in the previous edition. This drastic reduction will significantly impact India’s medal prospects, with many of the country’s strong sports missing from the lineup.
What’s In and What’s Out?
Athletics, Swimming, Track Cycling, Weightlifting, 3×3 Basketball, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, and Boxing are the 10 sports that made the cut. However, India’s medal-rich sports like Badminton, Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Wrestling, Beach Volleyball, and Rugby Sevens will not be part of the Glasgow Games.
The Impact on Indian Athletes
Of the 210 Indian athletes who participated in the 2022 Birmingham Games, 98 competed in sports that have been axed from the 2026 edition. This means that nearly 47% of India’s contingent will not have the opportunity to compete in their respective sports.
Financial Implications
A Commonwealth Games medal is often a pathway to cash awards and government jobs, which are crucial for an athlete’s career prospects and long-term financial security. With many sports missing from the 2026 edition, Indian athletes will have limited opportunities to secure these benefits.
Medal Tally Expected to Take a Hit
India won 61 medals in the 2022 Birmingham Games, with 30 of those coming from sports that will not be part of the 2026 edition. With many of India’s strong sports missing, the country’s medal tally is expected to be significantly lower in Glasgow.
Big Names Missing Out
Olympic medal winners like PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia, and the Indian men’s hockey team will be notable absentees from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Emerging stars like Anahat Singh, Aman Sehrawat, and Sreeja Akula will also miss out on the opportunity to compete in their respective sports.
Why the Reduction in Sports?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were initially awarded to Victoria, Australia, but rising costs led to the state pulling out. Glasgow, Scotland, eventually took over as hosts, but to keep costs low, the Games will be held in existing venues with limited facilities, resulting in the reduction of sports.
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