The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be a significantly scaled-down event due to rising organizational costs and the diminishing appeal of a Games rooted in colonial legacy. India, one of the largest contributors to the Games’ medal tally, is notably affected by the exclusion of several high-yield disciplines—wrestling, badminton, table tennis, hockey, squash, and cricket. Despite being among India’s top medal-producing sports, these events have been omitted as the Games will now focus on only 10 integrated sports across four venues.
In past editions, India has consistently ranked in the top five, peaking with a historic second-place finish when Delhi hosted the Games in 2010, securing a record 101 medals. Even at the 2022 Birmingham Games, where shooting—a leading medal-winning event for India—was absent, India managed a strong fourth-place finish with 61 medals, 30 of which came from the now-excluded events. For 2026, India’s medal hopes will largely depend on athletics, para-athletics, weightlifting, para-powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and para-bowls.
Indian athletes like shooters Jaspal Rana and Samaresh Jung, and wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Vinesh Phogat, have made their mark with numerous Commonwealth medals. The Games have also served as a springboard to Olympic fame for stars like Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Yogeshwar Dutt. Iconic moments, such as the Indian women’s hockey team’s gold in 2002 and Geeta Phogat’s wrestling gold in 2010, have even inspired popular films.
While Victoria’s withdrawal last year necessitated some compromises, the exclusion of globally popular sports has left fans questioning the future of the Commonwealth Games. As it nears its 100th anniversary, the Games may need a reinvention to sustain its relevance on the global stage.
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