Hockey Excluded from 2026 Commonwealth Games
Bhola Nath Singh Expresses Disappointment
The decision to exclude hockey from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has caused outrage among Indian sports officials. Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, voiced his disappointment, questioning the reasons behind the removal. He emphasized hockey’s popularity and India’s strong performance, particularly against Australia in the Olympics.
Singh criticized the Indian Olympic Association for not addressing the issue and expressed concern over the exclusion of ten sports, including hockey, wrestling, and cricket, from the Games. He highlighted the impact on India’s medal prospects and the country’s sporting legacy.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature only ten sports, including athletics, swimming, and boxing, across four venues. The list is significantly reduced compared to the 2022 edition, which included 20 sports. The sporting community in India is calling for accountability and transparency from relevant authorities.
Doubts Revealed
Commonwealth Games -: The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, which includes countries like India, Australia, and Canada.
Hockey -: Hockey is a popular sport in India, played on a field with a ball and sticks. India has a rich history in hockey, winning many medals in international competitions.
Bhola Nath Singh -: Bhola Nath Singh is an important person in Indian sports, serving as the Secretary General of Hockey India, which is the organization responsible for managing hockey in India.
Indian Olympic Association -: The Indian Olympic Association is the organization that represents India in the Olympic Games and other international sports events. It helps in organizing and supporting Indian athletes.
Glasgow -: Glasgow is a city in Scotland, which is part of the United Kingdom. It is known for hosting various international events, including sports competitions.
Medal prospects -: Medal prospects refer to the chances or likelihood of winning medals in sports competitions. For India, hockey has been a strong area where they often win medals.
Accountability and transparency -: Accountability means being responsible for actions and decisions, while transparency means being open and clear about them. In this context, the Indian sports community wants clear reasons for why hockey was excluded.