Commonwealth Games 2026: Badminton Exclusion Sparks Outrage

The exclusion of badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games curriculum has sparked outrage among the badminton community, with former world No.1 doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty calling it a "very bad decision."

Shetty, who is the reigning Commonwealth Games men's doubles champion and mixed team gold medalist, questioned how the organizers could remove the most popular sport from the event.

"I think it's a very bad decision, to be honest. I can say for badminton, I think it's the most watched sport. It's definitely one of the most watched sports in the Commonwealth Games," Shetty said.

He pointed out that badminton competitions at the Commonwealth Games are always played in front of packed houses, indicating the sport's immense popularity.

"I've been part of two editions at the Gold Coast and at the Birmingham editions. It's very difficult to get a seat for any of the rounds. I think it's definitely a very bad decision for the badminton community in general," Shetty added.

The World Championship bronze medalist urged the Commonwealth Games organizers to reconsider their decision and reinstate badminton in the curriculum.

"I hope they (CWG organizers) will look into it and probably change it. As a part of the badminton community, we are disappointed. We were definitely looking forward to defend our title," Shetty said.

He also called on the national sports federations and the government to take up the issue with the highest authorities in the Commonwealth Games.

"As far as boycotting the event goes, I think it's in the hand of the government and associations to decide. I think it has to go at the highest place. I think the higher bodies have to be decisive and take it up to the higher authorities," Shetty said.

The exclusion of badminton from the Commonwealth Games is a major blow to India's medal prospects, as the country has consistently performed well in the sport. In the 2022 Birmingham Games, India won two gold medals in badminton, including the men's doubles title won by Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.

Tags: #CommonwealthGames, #Badminton, #ChiragShetty, #Exclusion, #Controversy