Explained: Why was weightlifter Dilbag Singh forced to withdraw from Commonwealth Games 2026?
Dilbag Singh was set to compete in the men’s 94 kg weightlifting event
India’s chances of bagging a medal in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games 2026 suffered a massive blow after Dilbag Singh was forced to withdraw from the squad. This decision follows a reduction in the country’s athlete quota due to numerous doping violations during the qualification period.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) had originally named a 12-member contingent for the tournament, led by Mirabai Chanu. However, the country’s allocation was reduced on Wednesday, forcing the IWLF to trim the squad to 11 athletes.
As a result, even though Dilbag himself had not incurred any anti-doping violations, he was the one who had to be withdrawn.
Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2026: Major setback for India as judoka gets disqualified
Why was Dilbag Singh withdrawn?
With India’s athlete slots reduced, the federation had to decide which weightlifter to leave at home.
According to media reports, Dilbag had been struggling with a back injury and was unable to train during the national preparatory camp in Birmingham. As a result, he was the most practical choice to leave out of the tournament.
Dilbag himself told The Bridge that he had “withdrawn himself from CWG due to an injury”.
Why was India’s weightlifting quota reduced?
The decision to reduce India’s weightlifting quota was due to multiple anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) committed during the qualification cycle.
Under the Glasgow 2026 Weightlifting Qualification System, a country’s maximum athlete allocation is reduced by one player for every ADRV committed by a player or a support staff member.
During the qualification period, several weightlifters were sanctioned, including N. Ajith (71 kg), Sairaj Pardeshi (88 kg), Harcharan Singh (110 kg), and Vanshita Verma (86 kg). Overall, India’s CWG quota has been reduced by five slots, including Dilbag.
Also Read: When will Mirabai Chanu be in action at Commonwealth Games 2026?
As a result, India, originally scheduled to send 16 weightlifters, will be allowed to send only 11 to the Glasgow Games. Even other sports have been affected, with judoka Arun Kumar being deemed ineligible for failing a dope test.
Where and when will Commonwealth Games 2026 take place?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Why was Dilbag Singh forced to withdraw from Commonwealth Games 2026?
He was withdrawn from India’s squad because the country’s weightlifting quota was reduced following multiple anti‑doping rule violations (ADRVs) by other athletes.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.