The future of wrestling at the Commonwealth Games is hanging in the balance, with the sport’s inclusion in the 2026 edition facing an uphill battle. India, a powerhouse in wrestling at the Games with a staggering 114 medals won since the 2022 edition, is pushing hard for its retention.
However, the final decision rests with Scotland, the prospective host. While India, along with several other nations, has pleaded with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to keep wrestling on the roster, Scotland’s stance might prove to be the deal-breaker.
Wrestling’s popularity in the UK, particularly in England and Scotland, pales in comparison to other sports. The CGF has indicated that Scotland will have the final say on the sports included in the 2026 Games, and with a limited roster of 10-11 sports, the chances of wrestling making the cut appear slim.
The last time wrestling was omitted from the Games was in 2006, when basketball took its place. Before that, it was removed in 1998 to accommodate 10-pin bowling.
The 2022 edition in Birmingham featured 20 sports, with India emerging as the top performer, securing 61 medals, including 12 in wrestling. Wrestling contributed six of India’s 22 gold medals, making it the highest contributor followed by table tennis (4) and boxing (3).
The 2026 Games were initially scheduled to be held across multiple cities in Victoria, Australia, but the state withdrew in July 2023 due to escalating costs. Glasgow, Scotland, stepped in as the new host city.
While wrestling faces an uncertain future in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, shooting is set to make a comeback after its absence in Birmingham.
