The Commonwealth Games 2026 has started from 23rd July in the beautiful city of Glasgow, Scotland. India has so far won 2 medals, out of which 1 is silver and 1 is bronze. This time, there is excitement in the minds of Indian sports lovers about the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but somewhere there is also some disappointment. Because this time India may have less medals in its account than every other time.
The reason behind this is some major changes in the Commonwealth Games. This time many such sports have not been included, in which Indian players used to bring many medals. In such a situation, it was decided long before the start of the games that this time India would get less medals in its account.
Also read: Fourth day of Commonwealth Games, India vs Pakistan, know which game will be played when
Why was the decision taken to remove so many games?
Let us tell you that the hosting of Commonwealth Games 2026 was earlier given to the state of Victoria in Australia. In 2023, the government there said that the expenses of this event have increased more than expected and they cannot host it. This is where the difficulty started, there was less time left and it was not easy for another country to take the responsibility of organizing such a big sporting event in such a short time. However, Glasgow, Scotland later took up the hosting responsibility with a condition. The condition was that the games should be organized on a small scale.
Glasgow said it was not possible to prepare the entire event in just three years. Making arrangements for accommodation, food and security for thousands of players is no mean feat. Therefore, this time no new sports village was built. To keep costs down, many sports were removed which required separate and expensive structures to organise.
Why will India get less medals?
Usually, there are about 20 sports events in the Commonwealth Games. This time after removing many games this number has reduced to 10. Most of the sports which have been removed are those in which Indian players have been performing brilliantly and bringing back lots of medals. Wrestling, badminton, hockey, squash, cricket, table tennis, beach volleyball and rugby have been removed.
Last time, India had won 2 medals in badminton, 1 in cricket, 2 in squash, 7 in table tennis and 12 in wrestling. Overall, India had won 61 medals last time. Out of these, 30 medals came in sports which have not been included in the Commonwealth Games this time. See the picture given below to see how many medals India got in which sport in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
From which sports are medals expected this time?
In the 2022 Birmingham Games, 7 medals were won in boxing, 3 in judo, 10 in weightlifting, 8 in athletics, 2 in lawn ball and 1 in para powerlifting. Last time, overall Indian players had won 31 medals from these games. This time too the number of medals is expected to be around the same. Today i.e. till 26th July 2026, India has got 2 medals in its account. Out of these, there is 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.
- Rishikant Singh has won silver medal in men’s weightlifting.
- Jhandu Kumar has won bronze medal in para powerlifting competition.
- Apart from this, in boxing, Lovlina Borgohain has ensured another medal for India by reaching the semi-finals.
What will be the impact on players?
Players have also suffered losses due to the exclusion of many big sports in the Commonwealth Games. Star players like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Ravi Dahiya and Aman Sehrawat will not be able to play this time. On the other hand, Commonwealth Games has been a big platform to give recognition to new players. Many star players like Neeraj Chopra, Vinesh Phogat and Manu Bhakar had made their mark from here. In such a situation, this time new talents will also get less opportunities.
A relief news for Indian sports lovers
A matter of relief for Indian sports lovers is that ‘Asian Games’ is going to be organized in September this year. So, you won’t have to wait too long to see your favorite stars like PV Sindhu, Manu Bhaker and the Indian hockey team in action. Overall, even though India may have less medals this time, there is no less enthusiasm among the players and sports lovers.
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