'Appears to be Aimed at Stunting Progress of Nations Like India': Pullela Gopichand Expresses Dismay Over Exclusion of Badminton from CWG 2026 Roster

The 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games will include a 10-sport programme, with big-ticket events such as Badminton, Hockey and Shooting missing out on the list.

Following the announcement of the programme on Tuesday, Indian badminton chief coach and a certified legend of the sport, Pullela Gopichand, opined that the decision to exclude the shuttle seemed like one that was aimed at stunting the sporting growth of the nation.

“I am deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision to exclude badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow—a judgment that appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India,” Gopichand said.

Badminton has been one of India’s strong suits with the contingent bringing 31 medals in all for the nation thus far at the quadrennial event.

“Badminton has brought us immense pride and success, serving as a vital platform for our brightest talents to shine on the international stage,” the 50-year-old added.

Gopichand, the 2001 All England Open winner, went on to call the decision a lapse on the development worldwide.

“This decision represents a significant lapse not just for Indian badminton, but for the sport worldwide, lacking clear reasoning and jeopardizing its growth,” he stated.

He called for the stakeholders to voice their disappointment and scrutinise the decision to leave shuttle out of the Commonwealth Games.

“It is crucial that we raise our voices and bring this issue to the appropriate authorities to ensure badminton continues to thrive and inspire future generations,” Gopichand said.

“As the sport experiences exponential growth globally, the reasons for its exclusion must be scrutinized and discussed with the relevant stakeholders,” the coach added.

He alluded to the incredible work done across the field by various entities involved in promoting the sport and termed the decision to exclude badminton from the CWG 2026 a shortsighted one.

“We cannot allow such shortsighted decisions to undermine the progress we have tirelessly achieved,” Gopichand signed off.