CWG 2026: No Wrestling, Badminton, TT Hits India's Medal Prospects

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are set to look very different. Organisers have trimmed the programme to just 10 sports over four venues, and for India, the cuts hurt. Wrestling, badminton, and table tennis — three of the country's most reliable medal producers — are out.

The decision has forced the Indian contingent to recalibrate its ambitions. At the 2022 Birmingham Games, these three disciplines alone accounted for nearly 40% of India's total haul. Without them, replicating that success will be a challenge.

Where India Lost the Most

Wrestling has been India's powerhouse at the Commonwealth Games. In Birmingham 2022, Indian wrestlers brought home 12 medals, including six golds. Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat were among the headline performers. Badminton and table tennis added another seven medals between them, with the mixed team gold in badminton and multiple podium finishes in singles and doubles events.

With these sports gone, India will enter Glasgow with a smaller but more focused squad. The emphasis now shifts to boxing, athletics, and weightlifting — disciplines where the country has historically performed well, but not with the same consistent depth.

Boxing, Athletics and Weightlifting Step Up

India's boxing contingent has shown steady improvement. At the 2022 Games, Indian boxers won seven medals, including three golds. The sport remains a strong bet for 2026, with several young pugilists coming through the ranks. Athletics, too, offers promise. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, though not confirmed for the Games, would be a headline act. In his absence, other track and field athletes will carry the burden.

Weightlifting is another area of strength. India has consistently won medals in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, and the 2026 edition should be no different. Lifters like Mirabai Chanu and Jeremy Lalrinnunga have set high standards. The federation is expected to field a strong team.

The Road Ahead for the Indian Contingent

The absence of wrestling, badminton, and table tennis will not just cut medal numbers — it will also reduce the size of the Indian contingent. Fewer athletes means fewer chances across multiple events. The Indian Olympic Association has acknowledged the challenge but remains confident of a top-five finish.

Officials have not yet confirmed the final list of athletes, but reports indicate that several states, including Uttar Pradesh, are sending a significant number of representatives. Ten athletes from Uttar Pradesh alone are set to compete in Glasgow, according to local media.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held across four venues in Glasgow, a compact format designed to reduce costs. The scaled-down programme has drawn criticism from some participating nations, but organisers have defended it as a sustainable model for the future.

For India, the focus now is on maximising returns from the sports that remain. Boxing, athletics, and weightlifting will be the primary pillars. Shooting, which returned to the programme in 2022 after a brief absence, will also be part of the Glasgow roster. India has a strong shooting contingent, and that could provide a significant boost.

The final medal tally will depend on how well the athletes perform under pressure. With fewer events to compete in, each medal will carry added weight.

What to watch: The final selection trials for the Indian contingent are expected in the coming months. The performance of boxers and weightlifters in international meets leading up to the Games will offer early indicators of India's medal potential in Glasgow.