Commonwealth Games Decision To Drop Badminton, Hockey Aimed To 'Stunt' India: Pullela Gopichand

Pullela Gopichand slammed the decision to exclude sports such as badminton from 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and urged the country to not send a team to the event as it is aimed at "stunting" India's progress.

The legendary Pullela Gopichand and Vimal Kumar on Tuesday slammed the decision to exclude sports such as badminton from 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and urged the country to not send a team to the event as it is aimed at "stunting" India's progress. In a blow to India's medal prospects in the Commonwealth Games, key sports such as hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, table tennis and shooting have been dropped from the 2026 edition by host city Glasgow, which unveiled a pruned roster of 10 disciplines to keep the event budget-friendly and free of "operational risks".

But the roster has stunned the Indian sports fraternity with Gopichand and Vimal coming out with the strongest reactions.

"There is no need for CWG. In my opinion, they should do away with it. It is better to organise Olympics and Asian Games than CWG. It is pathetic, I am really disappointed. CWG is losing its charm, it's relevance, so I feel strongly we shouldn't send out a team for CWG, it is not required," former India coach Vimal told PTI.

"Instead of CWG it is important to look at ways to provide better facilities to athletes at Olympics and Asian Games. CWG is not required. You have to put good physical sport in the program, if you take away all that then what's the point," he added.

Relocated to the Scottish capital after Victoria's withdrawal as host due to an increase in projected costs, the Games will feature just 10 events, which is nine less than the previous edition held in 2022 in Birmingham.