Several sporting disciplines, including hockey, are set to be axed from the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG). This is reportedly part of host city Glasgow’s plan to cut costs. Hockey has been part of every CWG since making its debut in 1998. And although the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) are tight-lipped on the issue, it has been reported that the Glasgow Games organising committee wants to drop it, along with wrestling, badminton, cricket, shooting, netball and road racing. The final list of sports is expected to be released on Tuesday.
The organising committee seemingly wants a trimmed version of CWG that would be budget-friendly. Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has said that all the competitions of the 2026 event would be held in venues within an eight-mile radius.
With regards to hockey, one of the showpiece sports, the FIH so far has declined to comment. “In a couple of days, the situation will be clear; you will get the information accordingly,” an FIH official was quoted as saying by PTI. “From our side, until there is any official communication from CGF, we are not in a position to provide you any comment.”
India, the Olympic bronze medallists in hockey, will see a definite medal opportunity gone if hockey is not included in the CWG26. Also, without shooting and wrestling, India will have to focus on boxing, weightlifting and athletics.
The 2026 CWG was supposed to be held in Victoria, Australia. Glasgow stepped in after the Australian state pulled out due to rising costs.