Explained: Why Cricket, Hockey, Badminton, Wrestling, Squash, TT Have Been Dropped From Commonwealth Games 2026

The CWG 2022 will not feature many of India's medal hopeful sports |Courtesy- AP/PTI

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
  • The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature only 10 Sports
  • India's chances have taken a major blow
  • Glasgow will host the 2026 edition
Out of the 61 medals India won at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a total of 37 came from Cricket, Hockey, Wrestling, Table Tennis, and Squad but neither sport will be part of the 2026 edition which will take place in Glasgow.
Glasgow was confirmed as hosts of the quadrennial event today (October 22) as a replacement for Victoria. While the 2022 edition had a total of 17 sports, the 2026 games will be trimmed down edition with only 10 sports included. 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, 3x3 Basketball, 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball are the only disciplines that will be part of the Glasgow games.

Why Are Cricket, Hockey, Badminton, Wrestling, Squash, TT Removed From Commonwealth Games

After Victoria decided against hosting the event, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) were left desperately searching for a host. Glasgow finally agreed to host the event but a trimmed version, which is budget-friendly. It is worth noting that the list of sports remains a choice of the host with Athletics and Swimming the only two compulsory sports mandated by the CGF.
It is worth noting that India won just 21 medals in the sports that are part of the CWG in 2026 in the 2022 edition. This all but ensures that India will have their worst CWG campaign since 1982 in Glasgow.
Shooting was stripped as a CWG discipline in 2022 and has not made a comeback in 2026. Overall, India have 135 medals in shooting in CWG history including 63 golds which makes it India's most prolific sport.
Across all editions, India have won 564 medals in the CWG which include 63 Golds, 44 Silver, and 28 Bronze medals.
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