CGF chief says IOA does not attend regional meetings; Indian body retorts no point as its grievances are not discussed

Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin has said that the Indian Olympic Association is not attending the regional meetings of the international sports body where it could have raised the issue of non-inclusion of certain sports in the CWG. The IOA, however, said it is difficult to attend these meetings which do not have in the agenda matters relating to India's grievances of leaving out shooting, wrestling and archery from the Commonwealth Games roster.

Martin wrote a letter in response to IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta's request to include shooting, wrestling and archery in 2026 CWG to be held in Australia. “The 2026 CWG is also a subject that has been discussed regularly at the CGA regional meetings in recent months.

We have been sorry not to see regular attendance from Commonwealth Games India (CGI) and we should welcome increased engagement with you…because CGI is an important leader in our movement,” Martin said in the letter to Mehta. IOA represents India at the Commonwealth Games Asia regional meetings.

Suggesting that these regional meetings provide the best opportunity for IOA to discuss non-inclusion of certain sports, Martin said, ”The three sports you have referred to are all Commonwealth Games core sports, which we have a strong and long standing relationship with.” She further said the CGF has already been in touch with all the three international federations (the ISSF, UWW and World Archery) to make clear that it will update them on the next phase of the process as soon as it has been finalised in partnership with new hosts. Speaking on the letter written by Martin, Mehta said IOA wants to attend the meetings but there should be an assurance that the three sports in which India has been