WFI President Urges CWG Federation to Retain Wrestling in Commonwealth Games 2026

Background

Wrestling has been a part of the Commonwealth Games since its inception in 1930. However, it was dropped from the program for the 2022 Games in Birmingham, England. This decision was met with widespread criticism from the wrestling community, including the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

The WFI has been a vocal advocate for the reinstatement of wrestling in the Commonwealth Games. In a recent letter to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh urged the federation to reconsider its decision and reinstate wrestling in the 2026 Games.

WFI's Arguments

In his letter, Singh outlined several arguments in favor of retaining wrestling in the Commonwealth Games:

• Wrestling is a popular sport in the Commonwealth. It is estimated that there are over 100 million wrestlers in the Commonwealth countries, making it one of the most popular sports in the region.
• Wrestling is a well-established sport with a long history in the Commonwealth Games. It has been a part of the Games since the very beginning, and its removal from the program would be a major blow to the sport.
• Wrestling is an Olympic sport. It is one of the most prestigious sports in the world, and its inclusion in the Commonwealth Games would help to raise the profile of the Games and attract more athletes.

CGF's Response

The CGF has not yet responded to the WFI's request. However, a spokesperson for the federation said that they would be "reviewing all sports" for the 2026 Games and that "no decisions have been made at this time."

Conclusion

The WFI's request to reinstate wrestling in the Commonwealth Games is a significant development. It remains to be seen whether the CGF will overturn its decision and reinstate wrestling in the program for the 2026 Games. However, the WFI's arguments are strong, and it is likely that the CGF will give their request serious consideration.