Indian coaches criticize exclusion of badminton from 2026 Commonwealth Games

Indian badminton coaches Pullela Gopichand and Vimal Kumar have criticized the exclusion of badminton and other key sports from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. They argue this decision harms India's sports development and suggest focusing on the Olympics and Asian Games instead. The Glasgow Games will feature only 10 sports, a significant reduction from the 19 sports in the 2022 Birmingham edition. Gopichand expressed disappointment, stating that the exclusion undermines the progress of badminton in India and globally. Gopichand and Kumar believe India should not participate in the Commonwealth Games under these conditions. They emphasize the need for better support for athletes in more significant competitions, like the Olympics, rather than participating in a diminished event.