'Feels Like Conspiracy': BAI Chief Denounces Badminton's Omission From 2026 Commonwealth Games

The upcoming Commonwealth Games became a huge controversy before it could even start, as the 2026 edition would not feature some of the event's traditional games. The quadrennial event is set to become a ten-sport event after premier sports like badminton, hockey, and shooting have been eliminated from the event in an attempt to save costs. India has a stronghold in all the removed sporting events. The removal of the traditional games has caused a lot of unrest and dissatisfaction across the sporting base.

Also Read: Reports say hockey set to be axed from 2026 Glasgow CWG; shooting, wrestling may also be dropped

BAI Secretary Slams Badminton's Exclusion From The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow  

After badminton was excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Badminton Association of India Secretary Sanjay Mishra alleged that it is a conspiracy to sideline the country's sporting potential.

“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.

“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,” the BAI Secretary said.

Also Read: Australia Hoping To Send More Than 400 Athletes And Officials To 2026 Glasgow CWG

The 2026 Commonwealth Games has been a subject of debate as the increased costs of hosting the event led to the Australian city Victoria pulling out of the hosting honours. While Scotland came in for the save, they decided to cut costs by slashing out some of the premier games. The CWG Games will take place from July 23 to August 02, 2026, and it will return to Glasgow after 12 years.

With the removal of some traditional sports, the 2026 Glasgow Games will now have the following games.

• 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
• 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball