Five sports that should be re-included in the Commonwealth Games programme
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 were held in a curtailed manner.
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The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 is finally set to draw to a close today. It has been an amazing period of ten days, with blockbuster sporting action. The performances of the Indian contingent have been particularly commendable, considering that the sports in which they have traditionally done well are absent here and they still find themselves in the top five.
Glasgow has done a tremendous job at short notice, considering that the original host, Victoria (Australia), pulled out due to increasing costs. Most events here have been seamless. However, it has been largely shortened, with just ten sports, namely 3×3 basketball, artistic gymnastics, athletics, bowls, boxing, judo, netball, swimming, track cycling, and weightlifting, with six of these having their corresponding para-events.
With the next edition set to be held in 2030 at Ahmedabad, one would hope that the Games would consist of several new sports as well as those that have previously been hosted. Let us have a look at five sports that should be re-included in the Commonwealth Games programme:
Also Read: Gulveer Singh clinches historic distance double with 5,000m bronze at Commonwealth Games 2026
Wrestling
Wrestling has a rich legacy and was one of the six original sports contested at the British Empire Games in Canada. At the Olympics too, it was introduced way back in 1896. However, the combat sport is an optional one at the CWG and was previously removed in 1990, 1998, and 2006. When it was reintroduced by India during the Delhi 2010 edition, the women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman events were added.
India’s previous performances: The sport has always made a large contribution in boosting India’s medal tally. Having cumulatively won 49 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze, the only country to have fared better is Canada.
Shooting
Shooting had been present at the Commonwealth Games, right from 1966 to 2018, except for 1970. Competitions were open, with separation by gender being introduced for pistol and most rifle events in 1994 and for shotgun in 2002. Like wrestling, shooting too has been present at the Summer Olympics since 1896 but is an optional sport as far as the CWG is concerned. It was not held in the 2022 Birmingham edition either, citing a lack of facilities.
India’s previous performances: The nation stands second in the all-time list behind Australia, having secured 63 gold medals, 44 silver medals and 28 bronze medals. Considering India has produced such wonderful results historically, one would hope that the event returns in 2030.
Field Hockey
Hockey was first played at the quadrennial extravaganza in 1998 and had been a core sport ever since, until it was omitted this time. For a sport which is followed across multiple continents, it definitely deserves to find its way back into the CWG programme. The likes of Australia, England and India have served up some classics previously.
India’s previous performances: Like shooting, India has enjoyed the most success in the game after Australia. The Women’s side has won a medal each in the three colours, while the Men have three silvers to their name.
Badminton
Badminton had been held at the Commonwealth Games for fifteen successive editions, since its debut in 1966. Initially added as an optional sport, it became a mandatory one in 1994. Since 2002, the five stipulated categories as well as the mixed team event have been held. For a sport which is now so popular, one would hope that it returns soon.
India’s previous performances: India is the third-most successful country in the sport at the CWG, with a tally of ten gold medals, eight silver medals and thirteen bronze medals.
Also Read: List of all Indian athletes who won gold at Commonwealth Games 2026
Squash
Squash had been played at the Commonwealth Games every time from 1998 to 2022. It was again one of the sports not held in Glasgow because of financial constraints. Normally, all five sections, namely Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, are held. With the sport set to be hosted at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 for the first time, its continuity here too is a no-brainer.
India’s previous performances: India is the fifth-best country in squash at the CWG, with one gold, two silver and two bronze. Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa won the solitary gold medal in Women’s Doubles in 2014, while Saurav Ghosal pocketed the country’s first-ever individual medal in the sport in the previous instalment of the Games.
When was shooting last contested at the Commonwealth Games?
Shooting was last contested at the Games during the 2018 edition, which were played in Gold Coast.
Where will the next edition of the Commonwealth Games be played?
The 2030 Games will be played in Ahmedabad, India. The CWG will return to India after two decades.
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