Hockey is to be scrapped from the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the host city of Glasgow seeks to reduce costs, according to several media reports here, but both the the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) refused to comment on the issue. Hockey has been a regular feature at every Commonwealth Games since the sport made its first appearance in 1998, reports from here state, even though Glasgow Games organisers want to axe it from the schedule along with netball and road racing to ensure a trimmed programme which would be easy on the budget.
Apart from boxing and archery, which are new additions, two other major sports — shooting and wrestling — in which India has had medal hauls in the past editions are also set to be dropped from the 2026 Glasgow CWG roster, which will deal a big blow to the country's hopes. Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) had said in their proposal that all the competitions of the 2026 CWG would be held in venues within an eight-mile radius. That will rule shooting out of the sports roster as the Barry Buddon centre in Dundee — the venue during the 2014 CWG — is more than 100 km away from Glasgow.
Wrestling was not in the roster of the 2026 CWG when Australia's Victoria was to host the Games before pulling out. Wrestling's inclusion has been in doubt so far, and the Glasgow Games will likely bid farewell to the sport since the organisers have shortlisted only 10 sports, of which athletics/para athletics and swimming/para swimming have already been shortlisted. Scotland had come forward to host the 2026 Games when the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its bid citing rising costs. The schedule is slated to be announced on Tuesday.
FIH remained tight-lipped when contacted by PTI till date when the list was officially issued. "In a couple of days, the situation will be clear – you will get the information accordingly. From our side, till there is any official communication from CGF, we are not in a position to provide you any comment," an official said. The CGF also gave a similar response. The sports programme for the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be confirmed tomorrow, the body said when it was approached for clarification on the media reports.
Hockey, too, could well have come in the way. For, the Games, from July 23 to August 2, coincide with the Wold Cup scheduled two weeks later from August 15 to 30 in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands. Glasgow Games organizers have cut back on sporting disciplines from 19 at the Birmingham 2022 to 10, with just four proposed venues. These will be Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Scotstoun Stadium also hosting rugby and squash facilities, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, and Scottish Events Campus.
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