In a significant move, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has decided to formally challenge the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) controversial decision to drop hockey and wrestling from the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
According to inside sources, the POA will send an official letter to the CGF urging the federation to reconsider what it sees as a damaging exclusion of sports that are historically medal prospects for Pakistan.
Hockey and wrestling are among the plethora of disciplines that have dropped from the upcoming Games, set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, which has sparked widespread criticism. The POA, alongside other nations like India, is keen to reverse the decision, given the importance of these sports in the region.
“We are planning to write a letter this week to express our concerns and request the CGF to reconsider their decision,” a POA official revealed. This push is not just Pakistan’s fight; sources indicate that the Indian Olympic body is also unhappy with the decision and may join forces with the POA to press the Commonwealth sports body for the inclusion of these two key sports.
Wrestling is Pakistan’s best chance at notching a podium as represented by 41 medals that the country has earned in its history.
As the clock ticks down to the 2026 Games, the POA’s intervention could play a crucial role in reshaping the sports line-up, especially in a region where wrestling and hockey are not just games, but cultural mainstays.
