PETALING JAYA: Badminton’s exclusion from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, is strange and shocking, says Badminton Association of Malaysia’s secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh.
The sport has never failed to be included in the Games for 14 consecutive editions since 1966 but was surprisingly cut from the next quadrennial Games as Scotland is set to host a scaled down tournament with only 10 sports.
Kenny was left shocked by the decision.
“I think it’s a bit strange because badminton has always been included in the Commonwealth Games for many years,” said Kenny.
“There is badminton in almost every edition of the Games. There are a few badminton nations among the Common–wealth countries, so this exclusion is surprising and shocking.”
Defending champs: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah won the gold medal in the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games.
Badminton has been the biggest contributor of gold medals for Malaysia in the Games.
In total, the sport has delivered 31 golds, 22 silvers and 16 bronze for the country.
In the 2022 edition, Malaysia won two golds through women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and in the mixed team event.
Ng Tze Yong won silver in the men’s singles while Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles) and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing (mixed doubles) returned with bronze.
While surprised by the decision, Kenny feels the players could switch their focus fully on the Asian Games which will also be held in 2026 in Japan.
“Maybe our players will miss out on a chance to win medals at the Commonwealth Games but we also have the Asian Games in 2026 where badminton will be there,” said Kenny.
“Yes, this may be a missed opportunity for some players but on the other hand, maybe it’s time for us to just focus on Asian Games.”
The other countries that have usually performed well in badminton in the Games are India, Singapore and England.
