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India Considers Moving Beyond Commonwealth Games After Sports Cuts

India Considers Moving Beyond Commonwealth Games After Sports Cuts

By October 26, 2024 0

The recent decision to trim the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) has sparked a debate within the Indian sporting community. With six sports axed from the event, including wrestling, table tennis, badminton, hockey, squash, and cricket, India has lost a significant medal-winning opportunity. However, this has also raised questions about the relevance of the CWG for India, given the declining level of competition and the increasing availability of world-class tournaments.

Former India hockey captain and CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, Viren Rasquinha, believes it’s time for India to move beyond the CWG. “In several sports, India has outgrown the CWG, where the level of competition has been deteriorating,” he said. “We should aim higher and focus on tournaments that will give us more clarity on where we truly stand in terms of the Olympics.”

This point is supported by the fact that in four of the six axed sports that were part of the 2024 Paris Games, India won 27 medals at the Birmingham CWG, but only two in Paris. This suggests that the CWG is no longer a reliable testing ground for these sports.

Additionally, many Indian athletes are now competing in world-class tournaments such as the World Championships, World Cups, Asian Championships, and Asian Games. The volume of global tournaments has increased significantly, providing Indian athletes with ample opportunities to showcase their skills.

“Every sport has now got a vibrant circuit at the world stage,” said former India badminton player and national coach, U Vimal Kumar. “I would prefer for India to focus more on other events now.”

While the CWG may have served as a launchpad for budding athletes in the past, there are now other tournaments that can fulfill this role. The Asian Games, which is held in the same year as the CWG, is a more relevant event for India, as it doubles up as an Olympic qualifying event in several sports.

“We can focus better, and invest better, towards preparing for the Asian Games,” said Vimal Kumar. “Forget about CWG.”

In conclusion, while the trimmed CWG may be a disappointment for some, it presents an opportunity for India to reassess its priorities and focus on tournaments that will truly help its athletes achieve Olympic success.

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Commonwealth Games 2026: Badminton Exclusion Sparks Outrage

Commonwealth Games 2026: Badminton Exclusion Sparks Outrage

By October 23, 2024 0

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.

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Cricket Excluded from 2026 Commonwealth Games Due to Budget Cuts

Cricket Excluded from 2026 Commonwealth Games Due to Budget Cuts

By October 22, 2024 0

The 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow will not feature cricket, marking its absence from the quadrennial event. This decision has raised questions about the future of cricket in multi-sport competitions.

The CWG Federation has cited budgetary constraints as the primary reason for the exclusion of cricket and other sports like field hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling. CEO Katie Sadleir emphasized the need to “reset and redefine the Games” to reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance social impact.

Cricket’s return to the CWG in 2022 after a 24-year hiatus was met with enthusiasm. Australia emerged victorious in the women’s T20 competition, while South Africa had won the men’s 50-over gold in 1998. However, its absence in 2026 has cast doubt on its long-term presence in the Games.

Despite its exclusion from the CWG, cricket is set to make a grand return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. The International Olympic Committee’s decision to include men’s and women’s T20s as new disciplines reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the United States.

The Asian Games has also reinstated cricket, with India dominating the T20 events in the 2022 edition. This suggests that cricket remains a popular sport in Asia and could potentially be included in future multi-sport competitions in the region.

The absence of cricket from the 2026 CWG is a setback for the sport’s inclusion in major international events. However, its inclusion in the Olympics and the Asian Games provides hope for its future in multi-sport competitions. The decision to exclude cricket from the CWG highlights the challenges faced by organizers in balancing budgetary constraints with the desire to include popular sports.

Categories: Cricket
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Glasgow to Host Scaled-Down Commonwealth Games in 2026

Glasgow to Host Scaled-Down Commonwealth Games in 2026

By September 16, 2024 0

Glasgow, the vibrant Scottish capital, is poised to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a scaled-down version of the multi-sport event that was originally scheduled for Victoria, Australia. The Australian state withdrew in 2023 due to soaring costs, leaving the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) scrambling for a new host.

Glasgow, which successfully hosted the Games in 2014, has stepped forward with a proposal to host a more modest event, featuring fewer sports and utilizing existing venues. The Scottish government is close to finalizing a deal with Glasgow, which would see the city host the Games for an estimated cost of £130-150 million (USD 170 million).

The Australian authorities have pledged a “multi-million pound investment” to support Glasgow’s bid, which will likely cover additional policing and security expenses. The number of sports in the 2026 Games will be reduced to between 10-13, with a focus on core sports.

UK Health Secretary Neil Gray emphasized that the 2026 Games will differ from the highly successful 2014 edition. He acknowledged the challenge of matching the previous event’s legacy but expressed optimism that Glasgow could deliver a positive experience with a smaller-scale approach.

CGF President Chris Jenkins praised Scotland’s innovative and sustainable concept for the 2026 Games. He believes that Glasgow’s experience in hosting major sporting events makes it well-equipped to deliver a world-class event in a short timeframe.

Jenkins also emphasized the need for a new model for multi-sports events, one that is more sustainable and accessible to a wider range of host cities. He believes that Glasgow 2026 will be a step towards resetting and reframing the Commonwealth Games as a flexible and sustainable model.

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Pakistani Wrestler Ali Asad Stripped of Commonwealth Games Bronze for Doping

Pakistani Wrestler Ali Asad Stripped of Commonwealth Games Bronze for Doping

By September 3, 2024 0

Pakistani wrestler Ali Asad has been stripped of his bronze medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation confirmed the four-year ban and medal revocation following an investigation by the International Testing Agency (ITA).

Asad’s positive test was confirmed by the ITA, prompting the ruling this week. The wrestler waived his right to a hearing and failed to respond to the allegations within the stipulated deadline.

This incident adds to a growing list of doping bans faced by Pakistani athletes in recent years. In May 2023, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) imposed four-year bans on four Pakistani weightlifters for anti-doping violations. Abdur Rehman, Sharjeel Butt, Ghulam Mustafa, and Farhan Amjad were suspended for refusing to provide samples to the ITA in November 2021.

Despite appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), the suspensions were upheld. Top weightlifters Olympian Talha Talib and Abu Bakar Ghani also received two-year bans for using banned substances. Talib, who placed fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, remains banned until February 2025.

The Pakistan Wrestling Federation and the IWF have expressed concern over the increasing number of doping cases involving Pakistani athletes. They have emphasized the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations and promoting clean sport.

The use of performance-enhancing drugs not only violates the principles of fair play but also poses significant health risks to athletes. The authorities are committed to combating doping and ensuring the integrity of sports competitions.

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Pakistani Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem: A Village's Champion

Pakistani Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem: A Village’s Champion

By August 6, 2024 0

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s Commonwealth Games champion javelin thrower, is a testament to the adage that it takes a village to raise a champion. Despite Pakistan’s limited investment in sports beyond cricket, Nadeem’s achievements have been remarkable.

Nadeem’s journey began in the village of Khanewal, Punjab, where his fellow villagers and relatives pooled their resources to support his training and travel expenses. His father, Muhammad Ashraf, recalls how the community rallied around their young athlete, donating money to enable him to compete in distant cities.

Nadeem’s rise to prominence has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He became the first Pakistani athlete since 1962 to win gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, with a massive throw of 90.18m. He also secured a silver medal at the World Championships last year.

However, Nadeem’s career has not been without challenges. He has faced elbow, knee, and back problems, requiring knee surgery last year. Despite these setbacks, he has persevered, becoming a beacon of hope for Pakistani sports enthusiasts.

Nadeem’s rivalry and camaraderie with India’s Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, is well-documented. In the Tokyo Olympics, Chopra won gold while Nadeem finished fifth. However, Chopra has publicly supported Nadeem’s efforts to secure a new javelin for training.

On Thursday, Nadeem will face a formidable task in the javelin throw finals at the Olympics. No Pakistani athlete has ever won an Olympic gold medal in an individual competition, let alone track and field. Yet, Nadeem’s determination and the unwavering support of his village and nation give him a fighting chance to make history.

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Archery's Tiny Margins: Dhiraj Bommadevara's Heartbreaking Defeat

Archery’s Tiny Margins: Dhiraj Bommadevara’s Heartbreaking Defeat

By July 31, 2024 0

Archery, a sport of precision and minute margins, witnessed a heart-wrenching defeat for India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara in the Round of 32 at the ongoing Commonwealth Games. In a nail-biting shoot-off against Canada’s Eric Peters, both archers hit a perfect 10. However, Peters’ arrow landed a mere 2.4 cm closer to the center (X), resulting in Dhiraj’s elimination.

The target face in archery measures 122 cm in diameter, with the 10-ring spanning 12.2 cm. Archers stand a staggering 70m away from the target, making the distance equivalent to approximately 3/4ths of a football field.

“The bow and release must align perfectly with the X, with a precision of at least 2 mm,” explains Sanjeeva Singh, an archery Dronacharya awardee. “Even a 0.01 percent error in finger release can result in the arrow missing the X.”

In contrast to Dhiraj’s misfortune, India’s Deepika Kumari experienced a stroke of luck in the Round of 64. She won a shoot-off with an 8, despite her Estonian opponent Reena Parnat also shooting an 8. Deepika’s arrow was closer to the center (123.3mm) than Parnat’s (146.7mm).

Deepika’s luck continued in the next round when her Dutch opponent Quinty Roeffen shot a zero, her arrow landing outside the 10 concentric circles. This rare occurrence propelled Deepika to the Round of 16 in the individual competition.

Despite hitting only three 10s in 12 arrows against Roeffen, Deepika’s performance was sufficient to advance. She joins Bhajan Kaur as the second Indian female archer to reach the quarterfinals. Deepika’s next challenge will be against world No. 13 Michelle Kroppen, a formidable opponent who will test her limits.

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Lovlina Borgohain Begins Commonwealth Games Campaign with Dominant Victory

Lovlina Borgohain Begins Commonwealth Games Campaign with Dominant Victory

By July 31, 2024 0

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain has commenced her quest for a second consecutive Games medal with a confident victory in her opening bout at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Indian boxer outpunched Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad 5-0 in the 75kg category, moving one step closer to adding to her Tokyo bronze, which she claimed in the 69kg category.

Borgohain’s path to the podium is not without challenges. She will face top-seeded Chinese boxer Li Qian in the quarterfinals on August 4. A victory in this bout would guarantee her at least a bronze medal.

In her opening bout, Borgohain displayed composure and precision, keeping her distance and landing clean blows on counter-attack. Despite Hofstad’s attempts to engage in a slugfest, Borgohain maintained her composure and avoided falling into her opponent’s trap.

Borgohain’s performance is a testament to her resilience and ability to overcome adversity. In Tokyo, she defeated world champion Chen Nien-Chin in the quarterfinals to secure her bronze medal.

Her opponent in the quarterfinals, Li Qian, is a formidable opponent. She won a silver medal in the 75kg category at the Tokyo Games and a bronze in the 2016 Rio Games. She also claimed a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The Indian boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games has been mixed so far. Three of the six boxers in contention have already been eliminated, including former Asian Games champion Amit Panghal (51kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg).

Apart from Borgohain, the Indian boxing contingent still in contention includes world champion Nikhat Zareen (women’s 50kg) and Nishant Dev (men’s 71kg).

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Cricket's Olympic Inclusion: A Global Boost for the Sport

Cricket’s Olympic Inclusion: A Global Boost for the Sport

By March 14, 2024 0

Cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has been hailed as a significant step for the sport, which has long been confined to the Commonwealth nations. Andy Anson, chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and president of the Lancashire Cricket Club, believes it was the right decision.

Anson, speaking at a panel discussion in Bengaluru, India, emphasized the global reach of cricket and its commercial appeal. He noted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized the sport’s potential to attract a large audience and generate revenue.

For cricket, joining the Olympic movement is seen as a major boost. India, a cricket powerhouse, has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, which could further elevate the sport’s status. Anson believes India would be an ideal host, given its diverse population and untapped market.

However, hosting the Olympics requires significant planning and investment. Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, stressed the need for long-term development of talent and infrastructure. She emphasized the importance of investing in youth programs and creating pathways for success.

Anson pointed to the success of the British Olympic team, which won more medals across more sports than any other country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He attributed this to the funding provided by the National Lottery, which was established in 1994.

The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is expected to have a positive impact on the sport’s development worldwide. It will provide a global platform for cricketers to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.

Categories: Cricket
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Aman Sehrawat Overcomes Mental Hurdle to Defeat Ravi Dahiya in Olympic Qualifier Trials

Aman Sehrawat Overcomes Mental Hurdle to Defeat Ravi Dahiya in Olympic Qualifier Trials

By March 11, 2024 0

The Commonwealth Games trials proved to be a turning point for 20-year-old wrestler Aman Sehrawat. Facing Olympic silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, Aman suffered a humiliating 10-0 defeat. However, this setback ignited a fire within him, as he realized the need to overcome the mental pressure that had hindered his performance.

Inspired by Dahiya, Aman had always looked up to him as a mentor and guide. But to achieve his Olympic dream, he knew he had to break free from the reverence he held for his idol. Since the trials, Aman has meticulously studied the replay of that match, identifying his weaknesses and vowing to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

“I realized I was not competing with a free mind,” Aman said. “I was playing with the pressure of competing against an Olympic medalist. He was dictating the pace, and I was simply getting drawn into his gameplan.”

To prepare for the Olympic qualifiers, Aman stopped sparring with Dahiya and focused on improving his technique and mental fortitude. He drew inspiration from Dahiya’s journey, knowing that if his mentor could overcome adversity to win an Olympic medal, so could he.

“Beating him in the trials was not easy,” Aman admitted. “I have not gone a single day without watching the replay of the CWG trials, including today. I worked on my weaknesses and stopped sparring with him. We were training with different partners.”

Their similar wrestling styles resulted in a thrilling high-scoring bout in the Olympic qualifier trials, where Aman emerged victorious with a narrow 14-13 margin. Despite his triumph, Aman acknowledged Dahiya’s struggles after returning from injury.

“You know it is not easy when you have surgery and do not compete enough,” Aman said. “Ravi gained weight after injury, and it has taken him time to return to the mat.”

Aman is now determined to secure an Olympic quota and continue the legacy of his weight class, which has produced renowned wrestlers like Yogeshwar Dutt and Ravi Dahiya.

Similarly, 22-year-old Sujeet Kalkal carries the weight of representing India in the 65kg category, previously dominated by Bajrang Punia. Despite not facing Punia in the trials, Sujeet displayed composure and defeated Rohit by superiority in the final.

“I have been working on this trial for a long time,” Sujeet said. “I won titles in National Games and National Championships. So, I kept giving myself small goals and prepared along the way for the trials.”

Sujeet’s technical prowess and international experience, including victories over world-class wrestlers, give him confidence in his ability to succeed on the international stage.

“This is a weight class where you need speed, stamina, strength, everything,” Sujeet said. “I am young and still developing my strength and improving day by day. My game is technical like most international competitors.”

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