‘Shocking’: IOA formally writes to CGF

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally wrote to the UK headquartered Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), strongly recommending the inclusion of shooting, archery and wrestling in the Games programme for the 2026 CWG in the Victorian state of Australia. IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta sent a letter to the office of CGF president, Dame Louise Martin, expressing the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) India’s deep displeasure over the sports disciplines’ exclusion by the organisers of the Victoria CWG.

The development came two days after the sports ministry prodded the IOA to take up the matter with the CGF. The ministry also said that it’s awaiting a dialogue with the IOA before raising the issue diplomatically with the CGF and Organising Committee.

In his letter, Mehta wrote: “It is really shocking for the CGA India to know that these three very popular sports in the sporting world were ignored by the CGF. In the last three editions of the CWG, India has won 63 medals in shooting and 44 medals in wrestling.

Archery was part of the 2010 CWG and is also played in most of the Commonwealth countries.” He added: “The CGA India is very strongly recommending the inclusion of shooting, wrestling and archery as part of the 2026 CWG sports programme. Since the sports of 2026 Games are organised in various cities, the host country cannot have any reservation to conduct these three sports also (sic).