Picture Credit: Twitter
A day after Victoria (Australia) was confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, there have been further updates to the mega event. Three major sports, which play a vital role in the international arena have been axed by the state authorities.
Notably, the three sports which have got this major blow are shooting, archery and wrestling. This decision comes after a dialogue between the Commonwealth Games Federation (CFG), Commonwealth Games Australia & Victoria government.
For the event which will be hosted across 5 cities of Victoria, an initial list of 16 sports, one of them being T20 cricket has already been put forward with an aim for more addition as the year progresses. However, the list does not include these key sports which are set to gather a lot of participants from across the world.
However, no official statement has been released by any authority on the same, the state Premier Daniel Andrews has shown excitement to host the event, stating, "…we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state”.
India’s medal hopes hit after exclusion of shooting & archery
After this decision, India has received a major blow after these disciplines were axed from the 2026 CWG. Former players and coaches from these three sports have opened up on the exclusion.
While it was National Rifle Association of India’s (NRAI) Secretary General Kunwar Sultan Singh who expressed dismay over this decision, another official from the Wrestling Federation of India said that a “concerted effort is needed from the government & IOA to get this decision reversed.”