India angry with program

This was to be expected: the very minimalist formula of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, announced this week, does not please all the participating countries. In India, the sports authorities make no secret of their incomprehension at a program reduced to only ten sports, from which the disciplines where the country achieves its best performances have been excluded. At the top of the list, badminton, cricket, field hockey and shooting, all present at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, but sacrificed for budgetary reasons for the next edition in Scotland. “ I am deeply dismayed and disappointed by the exclusion of badminton, a decision which appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like Indiasaid Pullela Gopichand, the national coach of the discipline, quoted by Reuters. As the sport grows exponentially globally, the reasons for its exclusion need to be closely examined and discussed with relevant stakeholders. We cannot allow such short-sighted decisions to undermine our progress “. Also very hostile reaction from the vice-president of the Indian Olympic Committee, Gagan Narang. “ I am disappointed that disciplines which offer medal prospects to India, such as shooting, are not on the programme, admitted the former shooter. The Commonwealth Games have always been a major event in the Indian sporting calendar. It is discouraging to see the Games being watered down with so few disciplines on the Glasgow 2026 program “. India finished in fourth place in the nations rankings at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with 61 medals, including 30 in events not selected for the next edition.