Going places: India’s Treesa Jolly-Gayathri Gopichand won the bronze medal at the 2022 edition in Birmingham. Inset: P. Gopichand.
PETALING JAYA: India’s badminton chief coach P. Gopichand is upset with the decision to omit badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Gopichand’s daughter, Gayathri, who won bronze in the 2022 edition in Birmingham along with Treesa Jolly in the women’s doubles and silver in the mixed team event will be among the shuttlers to miss out on competing in 2026.
Overall, India emerged as the top performers in 2022 with three golds from Lakshya Sen (men’s singles), P.V. Sindhu (women’s singles) and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty (mixed doubles).
“I am deeply appalled and disappointed by the decision to exclude badminton from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” Gopichand posted in social media.
“It’s a judgement that appears aimed at stunting the progress of nations like India.
“Badminton has brought us immense pride and success, serving as a platform for our brightest talents to shine on the international stage.
“This decision represents a significant lapse not just for Indian badminton but for the sport worldwide, lacking clear reasoning and jeopardising its growth.
“It is crucial that we raise our voices and bring this issue to the appropriate authorities to ensure badminton continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
“As the sport experiences exponential growth globally, the reasons for its exclusion must be scrutinised and discussed with the relevant stakeholders.
“We cannot allow such shortsighted decisions to undermine the progress we have tirelessly achieved,” added Gopichand.
Gopichand himself won bronze in the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur.
In total, India have won 10 golds, eight silvers and 13 bronze medals in the quadrennial Games.
