WFI to Meet CGF CEO in Bid to Reinstate Wrestling for 2026 Commonwealth Games
New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), led by President Sanjay Singh, is scheduled to meet Katie Sadleir, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), on Tuesday in Delhi. The key agenda for the meeting is to discuss the reinstatement of wrestling in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Wrestling, a sport in which India has historically excelled, was unexpectedly removed from the list of sports for the upcoming edition, causing significant concern among grapplers and fans. India is the second-most successful wrestling nation in Commonwealth Games history, having won a total of 114 medals (49 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze). This move comes as a considerable setback, particularly following the impressive performance of Indian wrestlers who secured 12 medals, including six golds, at the 2022 Games in Birmingham.
“The Wrestling Federation of India officials will meet the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) CEO on Tuesday in Delhi to advocate for wrestling’s reinstatement in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The CGF’s decision to exclude wrestling has left grapplers worldwide in uncertainty. We are committed to reversing this decision,” stated WFI chief Sanjay Singh.
The exclusion of wrestling is part of the CGF’s 2026-30 Strategic Roadmap, which grants host nations greater discretion in selecting sports. The 2026 Games, initially set to be hosted by Victoria state in Australia before its cancellation, will feature new sports such as golf, BMX, and coastal rowing.
Wrestling’s removal marks the first instance since 1930 that the sport will not be included in the Commonwealth Games. Alongside wrestling, other sports like archery and judo have also been omitted. Conversely, shooting, another sport with a notable Indian presence, will return to the Games after being excluded in 2022. India ranks as the second-most successful nation in shooting at the Commonwealth Games, with 135 medals, trailing only Australia.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held from March 17 to 29, 2026.
