Explained: Why were cricket, hockey dropped from Commonwealth Games 2026

Glasgow Games organisers have reduced the number of sporting disciplines from 19 to 10. Among the major sports - cricket, hockey and shooting were cut - some of India's biggest medal prospects. Here's why the Commonwealth Games 2026 is having less number of events.

In Short

• Several sports were cut from the Commonwealth Games 2026
• Cricket, hockey, shooting were excluded from the Glasgow Games
• India's medal chances will be affected by sports exclusions

India's medal hopes took a major hit at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after several sports were cut off from the upcoming tournament. The likes of cricket, hockey and shooting were dropped by the Glasgow Games due to a variety of reasons.

Glasgow Games organisers streamlined the 2026 competition to create a more budget-friendly program, trimming the number of sporting disciplines from 19 in the 2022 Birmingham Games to just 10 for Glasgow 2026. The decision was taken after Scotland stepped in to host the 2026 Games after Australia withdrew due to rising costs.

So, how did Glasgow decide which sports will be dropped? Were the sporting events dropped to hand the hosts an advantage? Or was there a process followed to decide which 10 disciplines would be a part of the competition in 2026?

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Here's everything you need to know about the latest Commonwealth Games 2026.

Reduced Sports Program

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the Glasgow 2026 Games will feature a significantly reduced event list compared to previous editions. The selected sports will include:

- Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field)
- Swimming and Para Swimming
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling
- Netball
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
- Boxing
- Judo
- Bowls and Para Bowls
- 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball

Notably absent from this lineup are cricket, table tennis, squash, and road racing. This reduction aims to balance the multi-sport feel of the event with financial and operational considerations.

CWG 2026: Competition cut short

Impact on India’s Performance

India has historically excelled in events that are now excluded, such as hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling. The absence of shooting is particularly detrimental, as India has secured 135 medals in this discipline, including 63 gold, making it one of the country’s most successful sports at the Games. Wrestling has also contributed significantly, with a total of 114 medals across various categories.

Reasons for Fewer Sports

The decision to include only 10 sports reflects a return to a more traditional format, as the Commonwealth Games have typically featured around 10 sports throughout their history. While the event has expanded post-1998 to include 15–20 sports, future hosts will need flexibility to adapt to financial constraints.

Selection Process for Sports

The sports program is recommended by the host nation, with two compulsory sports mandated by the CGF: Athletics and Para Athletics, and Swimming and Para Swimming. Additional sports are selected based on various criteria outlined in CGF Regulation 6, which considers operational viability and economic value.

Venue Selection

Only four venues have been chosen for the Games, including:

- Scotstoun Stadium
- Tollcross International Swimming Centre
- Commonwealth Arena/Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
- Scottish Events Campus (SEC)

The selection of these venues was guided by the need to host the compulsory sports and ensure operational efficiency. By consolidating events at fewer sites, the Games can achieve significant budget savings through reduced costs associated with venue hire, branding, security, and transportation.

Future Sports Programs

The sports program for Glasgow 2026 will not set a precedent for future Commonwealth Games, allowing for potential changes in subsequent editions. This flexibility will be essential for adapting to the needs and circumstances of future host nations.