Gopichand and Vimal Urge India Not to Participate in Commonwealth Games 2026 Due to Badminton Exclusion

Add as a preferred source on Google

The decision to exclude sports like badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games has sparked criticism from Pullela Gopichand and Vimal Kumar. They argue that India should boycott the event, as it seems designed to hinder India's progress.

Glasgow, the host city, has cut down the number of sports to ten, excluding key events like hockey, wrestling, and cricket to manage costs and operational risks.

Impact on Indian Sports

The Indian sports community is shocked by this decision. Vimal Kumar expressed his disappointment, stating that the Commonwealth Games (CWG) are losing their significance.

"There is no need for CWG. In my opinion, they should do away with it. It is better to organise the Olympics and Asian Games than the CWG. It is pathetic, I am really disappointed. CWG is losing its charm, its relevance, so I feel strongly we shouldn’t send out a team for CWG, it is not required," he said.

Focus on Major Events

Kumar believes that resources should be directed towards enhancing facilities for the Olympics and Asian Games instead of the CWG. He emphasised the importance of including physical sports in such events. "You have to put good physical sport in the program, if you take away all that then what’s the point," he added.

Games Relocation and Reduction

Originally set in Victoria, the Games were moved to Glasgow due to rising costs. The 2026 edition will feature only ten events, nine fewer than Birmingham's 2022 Games. Squash and archery are also excluded from this streamlined version.

Badminton's Exclusion

Pullela Gopichand criticised the exclusion of badminton, a sport where India has excelled internationally. "I am deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision to exclude badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games -- a judgment that appears to be aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India," he stated.

Importance of Badminton

Gopichand highlighted badminton's role in India's sporting success. "Badminton has brought us immense pride and success, serving as a vital platform for our brightest talents to shine on the international stage," he said. He urged India to challenge this decision with relevant authorities.

Global Growth Concerns

He stressed the need for dialogue with stakeholders about badminton's exclusion amid its global growth. "We cannot allow such shortsighted decisions to undermine the progress we have tirelessly achieved," Gopichand added.

India's Previous Success

In 2022, India sent 210 athletes to Birmingham across 16 sports, winning 61 medals. Thirty of these came from disciplines now excluded from Glasgow's roster.

Squash Exclusion Reaction

Saurav Ghosal called squash's exclusion a setback after its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "Obviously very disappointing that squash is not there in the Commonwealth Games," he remarked.

Squash's Historical Significance

Ghosal noted squash's importance since its introduction in 1998 and hoped for its return in future editions. "We really hope that this is an anomaly and that moving forward squash will rightfully take its place back in the list of sports for the Commonwealth Games," he said.

The upcoming Commonwealth Games are scheduled from July 23 to August 2, marking Glasgow's return as host after twelve years.