IOA writes to CGF to discuss dropping of shooting, wrestling from 2026 CWG initial programme in next General Assembly

Indian Olympic Association on Friday described the exclusion of shooting, wrestling and archery from the initial programme of 2026 Commonwealth Games as "shocking" and asked the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) for a discussion in the matter at its next General Assembly. In a letter to CGF President Louise Martin, IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta expressed dismay at the dropping of the "three popular sports in the world" from the initial list of 16 sports for the 2026 CWG in Australia. "It is really shocking for CGA India to know that these three very popular sports in the sporting world were ignored by the CGF," Mehta wrote in the letter.

"The CGA India strongly recommends for inclusion of shooting, wrestling and archery as part of 2026 CWG sports programme. "We request to include our request in the agenda of the next CGF General Assembly so that it can be discussed and take favourable decisions by the House," he added. Mehta said since the 2026 CWG are being organised at multiple cities in Australia, the host country "could not have any reservation to conduct these three sports also".

Mehta had earlier termed the exclusion of the three sports from the initial programme of CWG as "grave injustice" to the country and said the IOA will decide the future course of action after consulting with the sports ministry. Without shooting and wrestling, India's CWG medal tally is likely to be reduced drastically. Shooting has been India's strongest sport in the Commonwealth Games with 135 medals (63 gold, 44 silver and 28 bronze) till now.