2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games to Feature Fewer Sports
The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to be held in Glasgow, will see a significant reduction in the number of sports disciplines featured. The event will include only 10 sports, a sharp decrease from the variety seen in previous editions of the Games. This change comes as a result of financial constraints and the overarching goal of ensuring the sustainability of the Games.
Among the sports disciplines that have been excluded are cricket, badminton, hockey, and wrestling. These sports are particularly strong for India, and their exclusion could potentially have a negative impact on India’s performance in terms of medal tally. The decision to limit the number of sports has been met with disappointment and concern from both Indian athletes and sports federations, who have expressed their dismay over the reduced opportunities to compete on this international stage.
The reduction in sports disciplines is a strategic move to manage costs and resources more effectively, ensuring that the Commonwealth Games can continue to be held in the future without financial strain. However, this decision has not been without its critics, particularly from countries like India, where the excluded sports have a large following and are a source of national pride.
As the 2026 Commonwealth Games approach, it will be interesting to see how this reduced format affects the competition and whether it will have a lasting impact on the Games’ popularity and the performance of countries that have traditionally excelled in the now-excluded sports.
