Wrestling has long been a cornerstone sport in the Commonwealth Games (CWG), especially for countries like India, which have built a rich history and a proud tradition around the sport. Since its introduction to the Commonwealth Games in 1930, wrestling has played a crucial role in many nations’ medal tallies, significantly impacting their standing in the Games. However, the future of wrestling in the CWG is currently at a crossroads. With the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, the inclusion of wrestling in the roster is under threat. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, has made a fervent plea to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to retain the sport, but the decision ultimately rests with the host country, Scotland.
Wrestling’s Storied History in the Commonwealth Games
Wrestling has been an integral part of the Commonwealth Games for decades, except for a few instances when it was removed from the roster. The sport was first included in the inaugural 1930 British Empire Games, now known as the Commonwealth Games. Since then, wrestling has featured in almost every edition of the Games, except in 1998 when it was replaced by 10-pin bowling and again in 2006 when basketball took its place. The exclusion of wrestling from these editions was met with disappointment from the wrestling community, but the sport made a strong comeback in subsequent years.
The Commonwealth Games have provided a significant platform for wrestling nations like India, Canada, Nigeria, and South Africa, among others, to showcase their talent on an international stage. For India, in particular, wrestling has been one of the most successful sports at the Games. Indian wrestlers have consistently delivered strong performances, amassing a total of 114 medals up to the 2022 edition, which includes 49 golds, 39 silvers, and 26 bronzes. Wrestling has been the second-highest medal-winning sport for India at the Commonwealth Games, only behind shooting.
The Current Scenario: A Battle for Inclusion in the 2026 CWG
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were initially set to take place in multiple cities across Victoria, Australia. However, in July 2023, the Australian state made a surprise withdrawal, citing an unexpected rise in projected expenditure. Subsequently, the hosting rights were transferred to Scotland, with the city of Glasgow stepping up to host the prestigious event. This shift has created uncertainty regarding the sports that will be featured in the 2026 Games.
Wrestling’s inclusion in the 2026 CWG roster has come under scrutiny due to the changing dynamics and priorities of the host nation. According to WFI President Sanjay Singh, he has personally lobbied the CGF President Chris Jenkins and CEO Katie Sadleir to emphasize the importance of wrestling in the Commonwealth Games. Singh underscored the significance of the sport not only for India but also for several other nations that have historically excelled in wrestling. However, the response from the CGF was not very encouraging, as Singh noted that the final decision lies with Scotland, which has its preferences for the Games.
Scotland’s Perspective: Wrestling’s Limited Popularity in the UK
One of the primary reasons for the uncertainty surrounding wrestling’s inclusion in the 2026 Commonwealth Games is its limited popularity in the United Kingdom. Unlike countries like India, Canada, or Nigeria, where wrestling enjoys a significant fan base and rich history, the UK does not see much participation in the sport. The UK, particularly England and Scotland, has traditionally not sent many wrestlers to the Commonwealth Games, resulting in lower interest and visibility for the sport.
The decision to include or exclude a sport from the Commonwealth Games roster is influenced by several factors, including the sport’s popularity in the host nation, logistical considerations, and the overall cost of staging the event. Given that the 2026 Games will have a streamlined program with only 10 to 11 sports, Scotland may prioritize sports that are more popular domestically. The reduced number of sports also reflects a more cost-effective approach, in line with the financial challenges that prompted Victoria’s withdrawal as the original host.
India’s Plea: Wrestling’s Importance for the Nation and Beyond
India’s strong advocacy for wrestling in the Commonwealth Games is understandable, considering the country’s outstanding track record in the sport. At the last edition of the Games in Birmingham in 2022, Indian wrestlers secured 12 out of the 61 medals won by the country. Out of the 22 gold medals claimed by India, six came from wrestling, making it the sport with the highest gold medal contribution, followed by table tennis with four and boxing with three.
Indian wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Ravi Kumar Dahiya have become household names, bringing glory to the nation on the international stage. Wrestling has a deep-rooted cultural significance in India, with a history that goes back thousands of years. The sport’s presence in the Commonwealth Games is seen not only as a matter of pride but also as a crucial platform for nurturing and showcasing India’s wrestling talent.
Apart from India, several other Commonwealth nations have also benefited from wrestling’s inclusion in the Games. Countries like Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, and Pakistan have all produced world-class wrestlers who have earned accolades in the Commonwealth Games, reinforcing the sport’s importance across the Commonwealth.
The Impact of Wrestling’s Potential Exclusion
If wrestling is excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, it would significantly impact the countries that rely on this sport for their medal tallies and overall performance. For India, it would mean a considerable reduction in medal prospects, given that wrestling has consistently been a strong contributor to its medal count.
Moreover, the exclusion of wrestling could also have broader implications for the sport’s growth and development. The Commonwealth Games provide an essential platform for emerging wrestlers to gain international exposure, experience high-level competition, and inspire the next generation of athletes. Removing wrestling from the roster could potentially stunt the growth of the sport, especially in countries where it is still developing.
Wrestling’s Global Growth and Future Prospects
Wrestling has been experiencing significant growth globally, with increased participation in international competitions and greater visibility through digital platforms. Organizations like United World Wrestling (UWW) have been actively promoting the sport by organizing world championships, regional competitions, and development programs. The inclusion of wrestling in major multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and the Olympics has been instrumental in expanding its reach.
Despite wrestling’s global growth, its popularity varies across regions. In countries like India, Russia, the United States, Japan, and Iran, wrestling is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric and enjoys a massive following. However, in other regions, including parts of Europe and Africa, wrestling faces stiff competition from more popular sports like football, cricket, and basketball.
The challenge for wrestling in the Commonwealth Games lies in striking a balance between retaining its traditional presence while adapting to the changing dynamics of international sports events. If wrestling is excluded from the 2026 CWG, it could prompt a reassessment of strategies by the sport’s governing bodies to ensure its continued growth and relevance on the global stage.
The Return of Shooting: A Silver Lining for India
While the potential exclusion of wrestling from the 2026 Commonwealth Games roster presents a setback for India, there is a silver lining in the return of shooting to the Games. Shooting, another sport in which India has historically excelled, was kept out of the Birmingham 2022 CWG program, much to the disappointment of Indian sports enthusiasts. With shooting set to return in 2026, India can look forward to regaining its competitive edge in the sport.
However, the reintroduction of shooting should not be seen as a substitute for wrestling. Both sports hold unique significance and have different fan bases. India’s efforts to retain wrestling in the CWG are a testament to the sport’s importance in the country’s sporting landscape and its potential to inspire future generations.
A Call to Action: Wrestling’s Inclusion in the CWG 2026
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), along with other wrestling nations, continues to advocate for the sport’s retention in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. As Sanjay Singh emphasized, wrestling is not only crucial for India but also for several other countries with rich wrestling traditions. The decision ultimately rests with Scotland, the host nation, which will have the final say on the Games’ roster.
In the meantime, wrestling stakeholders, athletes, fans, and sports administrators must continue their efforts to raise awareness about the sport’s value in the Commonwealth Games. Highlighting wrestling’s role in fostering international camaraderie, promoting physical fitness, and celebrating cultural diversity can strengthen its case for inclusion.
Conclusion: Wrestling’s Future in the Commonwealth Games
The potential exclusion of wrestling from the 2026 Commonwealth Games is a matter of concern for nations like India, where the sport holds deep cultural and historical significance. As the decision lies with Scotland, there remains hope that wrestling will be retained in the CWG roster, providing a platform for athletes to continue their quest for excellence.
Wrestling’s fate in the 2026 CWG will ultimately reflect broader trends in the global sports landscape, where traditional sports must adapt to evolving preferences and priorities. Regardless of the outcome, the wrestling community’s dedication to the sport’s growth and development will continue to ensure that wrestling remains a vital part of the international sporting arena.
