'The Reduction To 26 Events Is Disappointing': PT Usha As 2026 Commonwealth Games Cuts Key Sports

The President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha, voiced strong concerns over the recently announced cuts to the 2026 Commonwealth Games roster, which will exclude key disciplines such as hockey, shooting, cricket, badminton, and wrestling.

"The reduction in the total number of events to just 26 is disappointing," Usha said speaking exclusively to Republic TV.

"I spoke with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president, who assured me that this does not set a precedent for future games, as all Commonwealth sports remain important to the CGF,” said Usha.

The decision to scale back the roster has raised alarm bells regarding India’s potential medal tally at the quadrennial event, given the country’s historical strengths in these excluded sports.

Gagan Narang, Vice President of the IOA, also expressed his discontent, emphasizing the impact on athletes. “It is unfortunate that the Commonwealth Games have dropped a few sports. Players train day and night for these competitions, and it is not fair for them to be excluded from an international platform,” Narang remarked.

The Australian state of Victoria was the original host of the 2026 edition but pulled out last year due to rising costs. Scotland then stepped in to rescue the Games.

CGA said its Board of Directors will host a General Meeting in December, seeking amendment of its Constitution to ensure that those sports excluded from the 2026 CWG remain a valued member of the Commonwealth sport family.

Australia topped the medal tally at 2022 Birmingham CWG with 180 medals, including 67 gold, 57 silver and 56 bronze, edging out England who claimed a total of 176 medals and 57 gold.

(Reported by: Gopi Shah)