The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to meet with Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO Katie Sadleir on Tuesday in Delhi to discuss the reinstatement of wrestling in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This move comes after wrestling was surprisingly dropped from the list of sports for the next edition, leaving grapplers around the world in uncertainty.
India, a nation with a strong history in the Commonwealth Games, holds a prominent position in wrestling. It is the second-most successful wrestling nation in CWG history, boasting a remarkable haul of 114 medals (49 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze). The exclusion of wrestling from the upcoming games is viewed as a significant blow, especially after Indian wrestlers achieved exceptional results in the 2022 edition in Birmingham, securing 12 medals, including six gold.
WFI president Sanjay Singh expressed his determination to get wrestling back on the list of sports for the 2026 Games. "The Wrestling Federation of India officials will meet the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO on Tuesday in Delhi to get wrestling back on the list of sports for the next edition. CGF has earlier dropped wrestling from the Games, leaving grapplers around the world in dilemma. We will get the sport included again," Singh told IANS.
Why Was Wrestling Dropped?
The exclusion of wrestling from the list of sports for the 2026 Games is a consequence of the Commonwealth Games Federation's 2026-30 Strategic Roadmap, which grants host nations more flexibility in proposing new sports. This strategy aims to incorporate a broader range of disciplines, reflecting the evolving landscape of sports globally.
New Sports Taking Center Stage
Several new sports are set to make their debut at the 2026 Games, including golf, BMX, and coastal rowing. The games were initially scheduled to be held in Australia’s Victoria state but were later canceled due to financial constraints. While the host city for the 2026 Games is still under consideration, the inclusion of these new sports signifies the CGF’s commitment to diversifying the Games and providing a platform for emerging sports.
Wrestling's Long History at the Games
Wrestling's absence from the 2026 Games marks the first time since 1930 that the sport will not be part of the CWG. This decision has raised concerns among wrestling enthusiasts and stakeholders, as it disrupts the longstanding tradition of the sport at the Games. Other sports, such as archery and judo, have also been excluded from the 2026 edition.
Shooting's Return After Absence
In contrast to wrestling's exclusion, shooting, another sport with a strong Indian history, is set to make a comeback after being excluded in 2022. India holds a prominent position in shooting at the CWG, having secured 135 medals, placing them second only to Australia with 171 medals. The return of shooting to the Games is a welcome development for Indian athletes, who have consistently excelled in the sport.
The Future of Wrestling at the Games
The meeting between WFI officials and the CGF CEO will be crucial in determining the fate of wrestling at the 2026 Games. The WFI’s strong stance, coupled with India’s impressive track record in wrestling, could influence the CGF’s decision. The outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. The return of wrestling to the Games would not only signify the sport’s continued relevance but also provide a platform for Indian wrestlers to showcase their skills and strive for glory on the international stage.
A New Chapter for the Games?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are poised to usher in a new era, featuring a diverse range of sports and showcasing the dynamic evolution of the sporting landscape. The inclusion of new sports, while reflecting the CGF’s forward-thinking approach, has also led to the exclusion of traditional sports, sparking debates about the future of these disciplines at the Games. The outcome of the WFI’s meeting with the CGF CEO will shed light on the CGF’s vision for the future of the Commonwealth Games and its commitment to accommodating a wide range of sports.
