Sports Community Reacts Angrily to Exclusion of Key Events from Commonwealth Games

The sports community has voiced deep frustration and disappointment following the exclusion of several key sports from the list of events for the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG), which are set to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 2026. Prominent disciplines such as wrestling, hockey, shooting, table tennis, badminton, and squash, which have all historically seen strong participation and success from athletes in India and other nations, were notably left out. This decision has sparked concern among athletes, coaches, and sports officials, as these sports have been integral to the Commonwealth Games in previous editions, often contributing to a high number of medals for various countries. The exclusion of these well-established, medal-rich sports has raised questions about the future of these events in the Games, with many viewing it as a setback for athletes who have dedicated years to competing at the highest level. The omission has also led to calls for reconsideration, with sports bodies and advocates urging the organizers to recognize the importance of these disciplines in ensuring the inclusivity and competitiveness of the Commonwealth Games.

In response, athletes and sports officials have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, highlighting that the omission of these medal-winning sports is a major setback for Indian players. They argue that this decision undermines the opportunities for Indian athletes to showcase their talent on a global stage.

Professor Rajendra Prasad Garg, an esteemed Olympic Category wrestling referee (2013) and the Director of Sports at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), emphasized the deep-rooted significance of wrestling in India’s sporting history. He underscored that wrestling has long been a cornerstone of India’s athletic achievements, with the country’s wrestlers consistently making their mark at international competitions. Garg highlighted that Indian wrestlers regularly bring pride to the nation, winning medals at prestigious events such as the World Championships, Asian Games, and the Olympics. Their accomplishments, he noted, have not only elevated the profile of wrestling in India but also contributed significantly to the country’s overall success in global sports. Garg stressed that Indian wrestlers continue to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s reputation on the world stage, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

“The exclusion of wrestling from the CWG seems to be a conspiracy to thwart Indian medals and discourage Indian wrestlers, who are heading towards becoming the Olympic champions. In the recent Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat could have clinched the gold medal had she not been disqualified due to being overweight ahead of the final bout,” he added.

Garg, a four-time gold medalist in the All India Inter-University Wrestling Championship, stated that the exclusion of wrestling from the Commonwealth Games was a grave injustice to Indian wrestlers. “Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Indian Olympic Association should make efforts for the inclusion of this game in the prestigious international event by intervening into the matter,” he added.

Manoj Kumar Ohlyan, a distinguished recipient of the Bhim Award, serves as the Chief Coach of the Indian Shooting Team and a High-Performance Coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He highlighted that Indian shooters have repeatedly showcased their exceptional talent, determination, and discipline in major international competitions. These athletes have not only excelled in the Asian Games and the Olympics but have also delivered strong performances in various prestigious global events, consistently putting India on the map as a competitive force in the sport. Ohlyan emphasized that this track record reflects the hard work and dedication of Indian shooters, who continue to raise the bar in their pursuit of excellence on the world stage.

“This is for the second time when shooting has not been included in the CWG. We were quite hopeful about inclusion of shooting this time, but the latest development has brought disappointment to all Indian shooters. It will also demotivate the budding players,” he said.

Encouraging the athletes, Ohlyan urged them to stay optimistic and maintain a strong focus on their training.

Kishan Singh, a hockey coach, said, “Hockey is the national game of India and our players have clinched bronze medal in the Paris Olympics. It is for the first time that Hockey has been excluded from the CWG. Hockey India should approach the Olympic Association of India to flag the issue at the international level,” he added.

Check out: Khelta Punjab Games 2024: A Spectacular Sporting Extravaganza Begins – All the Key Details Revealed!