Gopichand slams badminton’s omission in 2026 Glasgow Games
Pullela Gopichand slams badminton’s omission in the 2025 Glasgow Commonwealth Games (CWG) and four other sports.
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GOPICHAND SLAMS BADMINTON’S EXCLUSION, WANTS INDIA TO BOYCOTT GAMES
Furthermore, Gopichand slams badminton’s exclusion in Glasgow, saying he wants Indian officials to boycott games by not sending a team.
Moreover, the current India head coach and former All-England champion was “appalled and disappointed” by the organizers’ decision.
“The decision represents a significant lapse not just for Indian badminton, but for the sport worldwide, lacking clear reasoning and jeopardizing its growth,” Gopichand wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“I’m deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision… a judgment that appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India,” he added.
Interestingly, cricket, hockey, wrestling, and shooting were also dropped from the multi-sport event.
Table tennis, squash, netball, and road racing complete the total number of sports that were axed for the Games.
BADMINTON ENGLAND EXECUTIVE SHARES GOPICHAND’S SENTIMENT
Moreover, Badminton England (BE) chief executive officer Sue Storey shared Gopichand’s sentiment, as she was “heartbroken” with the decision.
“I am heartbroken for the players who were all looking forward to competing on such a big stage,” Storey said.
She emphasized badminton players who “have been working incredibly hard to qualify for and peak in time for these games.”
Meanwhile, Gopichand urged fans to “raise our voices and bring this issue to the appropriate authorities to ensure badminton continues to thrive” in the future.
‘VERY BAD DECISION’ TO EXCLUDE BADMINTON, ‘THE MOST WATCHED SPORT,’ SAYS CHIRAG
Furthermore, Chirag Shetty described it as a “very bad decision” to exclude badminton from the Games.
Moreover, India’s former world No.1 doubles shuttler questioned why organizers have to omit badminton, which he believes is “the most watched sport” in 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,” Chirag was quoted by NDTV Sports as saying.
“Not just badminton, even hockey, wrestling. I think all the sports which India does well are being removed,” he added.
Chirag is known for joining Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in helping India emerge as the 2020 Birmingham CWG men’s doubles champions.
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