With multiple traditional programmes cut out from the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games, which is slated to be held in Glasgow after Scotland stepped in to replace Victoria as the host following the Australian city’s decision to withdraw citing escalating costs, the quadrennial event is set to feature a 10-sport event.
Badminton, Shooting, and Hockey, which have been India’s strong suits, are some of the sports that have been left out of the event, and the exclusion of the sport has triggered disappointment across the spectrum.
Badminton Association of India secretary Sanjay Mishra went as far as calling it a conspiracy to sideline the nation’s sporting potential.
India have claimed a total of 31 medals in badminton, including 10 gold, eight silver, and 13 bronze and were set to enter the 2026 edition as defending champions in men’s and women’s singles, as well as men’s doubles.
“It’s shocking and a huge setback for Indian sports, with nearly 40 medals at risk from the dropped events. This isn’t just a loss for sports and sportspersons; it feels like a conspiracy to sideline India’s rising sporting potential in the region,” Mishra said.
“The Badminton Association of India stands firmly in protest and will be reaching out to all relevant authorities at the Commonwealth and BWF, as well as the highest levels of government in the country, to advocate for the future of Indian sports,” he added.
The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026, as the Games return to the city after 12 years.
The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics Track and Field, Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track 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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