Wrestling’s Exit from CWG 2026 Sparks Outcry: Babita Phogat Says India Lost a Medal Goldmine

As the countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow begins, a wave of disappointment has swept across India’s wrestling community. Former wrestler and three-time Commonwealth Games medalist Babita Phogat has voiced strong disapproval over the exclusion of wrestling from the upcoming edition, calling it a missed opportunity for India to secure a rich medal haul. Her remarks, made during the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ event in New Delhi, have reignited debate over the shrinking scope of the Games and its impact on medal-heavy nations like India.

Here’s a detailed look at the controversy and its broader implications.

Key Takeaways from Babita Phogat’s Statement

- Babita Phogat expressed deep sadness over wrestling’s removal, especially given its significance for Indian women athletes  
- She emphasized that India had consistently performed well in wrestling since its inclusion in the 2010 CWG  
- Phogat stated that had wrestling remained on the 2026 roster, India would have added several medals to its tally  
- She highlighted the emotional and professional toll this decision takes on athletes who have trained for years with CWG as a key milestone  

What’s Changing in CWG 2026

- The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature only 10 sports, a sharp reduction from the 20 disciplines included in the 2022 Birmingham edition  
- Wrestling, along with cricket, field hockey, and badminton, has been dropped from the Glasgow schedule  
- The confirmed sports include athletics, swimming, 3x3 basketball, track cycling, weightlifting, lawn bowls, artistic gymnastics, netball, boxing, and judo  
- The para variants of five of these sports will also be part of the integrated programme  

Why Wrestling’s Exclusion Matters for India

- Wrestling has historically been one of India’s strongest medal contributors at the CWG  
- In the 2022 edition, India won 12 medals in wrestling, including six golds  
- The sport has been a platform for rural and underrepresented athletes, especially women, to gain international recognition  
- Its removal not only affects medal prospects but also dampens morale and funding for grassroots wrestling programs  

Athlete and Public Reactions

- Several current and former wrestlers have echoed Phogat’s sentiments, calling the decision a setback for Indian sports  
- Fans and sports analysts have taken to social media to question the rationale behind excluding high-participation sports  
- There are growing calls for the Indian Olympic Association to lobby for wrestling’s reinstatement or seek alternative platforms for showcasing talent  

As Glasgow prepares to host a leaner version of the Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2, 2026, the absence of wrestling casts a long shadow over India’s medal hopes. For athletes like Babita Phogat, it’s not just about the podium—it’s about preserving a legacy of grit, glory, and global recognition.

Sources: The Tribune, LiveMint, Devdiscourse, Awaz The Voice, ANI June 2025