Chirag Shetty Criticizes Exclusion of Badminton from 2026 Commonwealth Games

Former world No.1 doubles badminton player Chirag Shetty has voiced strong criticism against the exclusion of badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling it a “very bad decision.” 

The scaled-down roster, unveiled on October 23, 2024, also excludes other key sports like hockey, shooting, cricket, and wrestling, all of which significantly impact India’s medal prospects.

Shetty, who alongside his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy clinched the men’s doubles gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the mixed team gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Games, expressed his disappointment over the removal of badminton. 

“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 stated.

Badminton has long been one of the marquee sports in the Commonwealth Games, drawing large audiences and producing intense competition. Shetty highlighted the sport’s popularity at the event, sharing his personal experiences of packed stadiums during the previous editions. 

“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,” he said, underlining how badminton consistently attracts large crowds.

The decision, Shetty believes, could deal a significant blow not only to badminton but also to the larger Indian sporting community, given the country’s strong track record in sports that have now been excluded. 

“Not just for badminton, even hockey, wrestling, I think all the sports which India does well at are being removed,” he added, calling it a matter of concern for the entire sporting fraternity.

Shetty urged India’s national sports federations and government to take up the issue with the Commonwealth Games authorities and push for a reversal of the decision. 

“As far as boycotting the event goes, I think it’s in the hands of the government and associations to decide,” he noted, emphasizing the need for action at the highest levels to protect the interests of these sports.

The exclusion of badminton and other sports from the 2026 event comes as a shock, especially to a nation like India, which has consistently excelled in them at the Commonwealth Games. 

Shetty, along with the wider badminton community, remains hopeful that the decision could be reconsidered. “We were definitely looking forward to defending our title,” he concluded, underscoring the athletes’ disappointment at the missed opportunity.