For decades, the Commonwealth Games have been one of India’s most successful sporting events. Every edition has produced unforgettable moments as Indian athletes have stood proudly on the podium, bringing home medals and making the nation celebrate. From the dominance of our wrestlers to the brilliance of our badminton stars, from the precision of our shooters to the determination of our hockey teams, the Commonwealth Games have consistently showcased India’s sporting excellence.
However, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are expected to be unlike any previous edition. This time, the challenge before India is not a lack of talent or preparation. Instead, it is the result of a drastically reduced sporting programme that has left many of India’s strongest medal-winning disciplines off the schedule.
The road to Glasgow has been far from smooth. The Games were originally awarded to Victoria, Australia, but the state withdrew as host after costs rose sharply. Glasgow eventually stepped forward to host the event, but with one important condition – the Games would be smaller, simpler and more financially sustainable. As a result, the programme has been reduced to just ten sports, making it one of the smallest editions of the Commonwealth Games in recent history.
While the decision may help control expenditure, it has had significant consequences for several sporting nations, particularly India. Sports such as badminton, wrestling, hockey, shooting, table tennis, cricket, squash, rugby sevens and triathlon will not feature in the 2026 Games. For India, this is a major setback because many of these sports have traditionally delivered a large share of the country’s medals.
The numbers tell the story. Over the years, Indian wrestlers have established themselves as world-class performers, regularly winning multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games. Badminton has become another major success story, with Indian shuttlers consistently challenging the very best. Shooters have often dominated their events whenever shooting has been included, while the men’s and women’s hockey teams have produced memorable performances. Table tennis has also emerged as a reliable source of medals in recent editions.
With all these opportunities removed, it is only natural that India’s overall medal tally is expected to decline. Such a result should not be interpreted as a reflection of weaker performances or diminishing standards. Rather, it reflects the simple reality that Indian athletes will have far fewer events in which they can compete for medals.
Yet, every challenge also presents an opportunity. The sports that remain on the programme could provide a platform for a new generation of Indian champions. Athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo and swimming will all feature in Glasgow, and Indian athletes have shown encouraging progress in many of these disciplines. Strong performances in these events could inspire greater investment, improved infrastructure and increased public interest, helping these sports grow further in the years ahead.
The reduced programme also raises an important question about the future of multi-sport events. One of the greatest strengths of the Commonwealth Games has always been its diversity. Smaller sports have enjoyed international exposure, while athletes from different backgrounds have had the opportunity to compete on one of the world’s biggest stages. With fewer sports included, many talented athletes will lose the chance to represent their country at an event they may have spent years preparing for.
For Indian supporters, Glasgow 2026 may require a shift in expectations. Instead of focusing solely on the final medal tally, perhaps it is time to celebrate the stories behind the performances. Every athlete who earns the right to wear the Indian colours has overcome countless obstacles, devoted years to training and made enormous sacrifices in pursuit of excellence. Their efforts deserve recognition, regardless of the number of medals they eventually bring home.
The Commonwealth Games have never been just about winning medals. They have always been about determination, resilience and the spirit of competition. Although the absence of several marquee sports is disappointing, it also offers lesser-known disciplines an opportunity to shine and introduces fans to athletes who may otherwise have remained unnoticed.
As Glasgow prepares to welcome the Commonwealth’s finest athletes, India will undoubtedly miss seeing some of its biggest sporting stars compete in their favourite events. Even so, the tricolour will continue to fly proudly, carried by athletes determined to make the most of every opportunity available. The medal count may not match the heights of previous editions, but the passion, commitment and pride with which India’s sportspersons compete will remain as inspiring as ever.
In the end, medals tell only part of the story. The true measure of success lies in the courage to compete, the determination to overcome adversity and the unwavering belief that every challenge can become the beginning of a new chapter.
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