Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha calls the removal of medal-winning sports such as wrestling, hockey and badminton from the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games program “disappointing” for the country, but the focus on cutting costs would ensure the event continues to find hosts. in the future. The 23rd edition of the Games is scheduled for July 23 to August 2, marking the return of the Scottish capital as a venue after 12 years. Most national sports federations have criticized Glasgow’s decision to exclude hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, shooting, time trial and squash from the squad and have even questioned the relevance of the Games after this measure.
But Usha said the reasons cannot be ignored completely.
“The reduction in the sports program for the 2026 Commonwealth Games is disappointing, but I am sure you will understand that the 2026 games serve as a bridge to the future of the CWG,” Usha read in a written statement to PTI Movies on Wednesday.
Glasgow intervened to save the Games after host Victoria (Australia) withdrew citing the enormous cost. It has less than two years to complete preparations and organizers said they have tried to ensure financial and operational risks are reduced through their conservative approach.
While India would lose many medals, Usha supported the idea of cutting costs and reducing environmental impact due to a shortened schedule of 10 events to be held at four venues within an eight-mile radius.
«The approach aims to reduce costs, reduce environmental impact and increase social benefits. “This progressive and sustainable model is very exciting as it will allow more countries to host the Games in the future,” he explained.
“Given the limited timeframe and financial constraints, the CGF’s focus has been on delivering high-quality Games in a financially responsible manner, with an emphasis on minimizing risks and prioritizing athletes and sports,” said one top athlete. of India.
Usha said the CWG grew from a 10-sport event only in 1998 and may expand again in the future once a stable pattern of organizing the event is worked out in the future.
“Historically, the CWG featured around 10 sports and, since 1998, the program has expanded to include 15 to 20 sports, and flexibility in the future will be essential for hosts,” he added.
«I have spoken to the CGF president and he has assured me that the exclusion of certain sports from the 2026 program does not set a precedent for future games, and that all CWG sports remain important to the CGF, with the opportunity to return. in future editions. she said.
The sports program will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track and Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball.
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