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NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India have reacted strongly after several sports in which the country does well were axed for a leaner version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Scottish city stepped in to host the Games after the Australian state of Victoria, the original host, withdrew citing cost concerns. The future of the multi-sport event was in doubt as other states and nations declined the offer to host.
The pared-down Games will feature only 10 sports, down from 19 in Birmingham 2022, and India are upset as badminton, cricket, hockey and shooting are among the sports axed from the programme.
"I'm deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision to exclude badminton ... a judgment that appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India," India's chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said.
"As the sport experiences exponential growth globally, the reasons for its exclusion must be scrutinized and discussed with the relevant stakeholders.
"We cannot allow such shortsighted decisions to undermine the progress we have tirelessly achieved," added the former All-England champion.
The Commonwealth Games Federation said on Tuesday the abridged model of the Games was "specially designed to not require public funding."
"Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions," Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive Jon Doig said.
India finished fourth in Birmingham with 61 medals, including 30 in events which would not feature in Glasgow.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) said it would discuss the sport's absence in Glasgow with the game's global governing body and the CGF.
Indian Olympic Association vice president Gagan Narang was particularly upset that shooting, in which India won three medals at the Paris Olympics, is not part of the programme in Glasgow.
"I am also disappointed that few more disciplines which are medal prospects for India don't figure in the list of disciplines for CWG 2026," the former shooter said.
"CWG has always been a marquee event in Indian sporting calendar and it is disheartening to see the Games being watered down with fewer disciplines in the coming up in Glasgow 2026."
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Christian Radnedge)
