Hockey gamers enjoying the game on this undated picture. — Reuters
KARACHI: The Pakistan Olympic Affiliation (POA) has determined to formally write to the Commonwealth Video games Federation over exclusion of hockey and wrestling from the 2026 Commonwealth Video games, based on sources accustomed to the matter.
Knowledgeable sources claimed that the POA would ship an official letter to the federation, urging the latter to rethink its choice to exclude these sports activities, that are seen as Pakistan’s medal prospects within the recreation.
The choice to drop a number of sports activities, together with hockey and wrestling, from the Video games in Glasgow has already caught criticism from varied quarters.
The sources added that the Indian Olympic physique can also be sad with the choice they usually’re prone to be part of POA in writing the Commonwealth sports activities physique to press for the inclusion of hockey and wrestling.
“We are planning to write a letter this week to express our concerns over removal of these sports and to request them to reconsider their decision,” the supply stated.
It added that in a current regional assembly held in Male, Maldives, on September 24-25, 2024, the Commonwealth Video games Affiliation of Pakistan (on this case, the POA) had beneficial to CGF officers that hockey and wrestling be included within the upcoming Video games. In addition they submitted in writing advocating for the inclusion of those sports activities.
Sources added that the POA plans to take up the problem as soon as once more with the CGF.
“They were also considering to drop weightlifting from the list of sports as well. However, there were strong resistance from several members, including Pakistan, against omitting weightlifting from the list,” the supply added.
Earlier, it was reported that the Commonwealth Video games Federation had eliminated a number of key sports activities, together with wrestling, hockey, capturing and cricket, from the occasion.
Different sports activities dealing with minimize embody badminton, desk tennis, squash, rugby sevens, seaside volleyball and mountain biking.
Wrestling has been one in all Pakistan’s most profitable sports activities on the Commonwealth Video games, contributing 46 medals, together with 21 golds.
Moreover, Pakistan’s hockey crew beforehand received a number of medals on the Commonwealth Video games, and its elimination additional narrows the nation’s alternatives to earn medals.
Cricket, which was featured within the 2022 Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham, would even be absent. Given Pakistan’s sturdy cricket crew, this omission additional weakens its medal probabilities.
Capturing, a sport wherein Pakistan has received three Commonwealth Video games medals (one silver and two bronze), has additionally been dropped from the 2026 programme.
In whole, Pakistan has claimed 27 gold, 27 silver, and 28 bronze medals throughout all Commonwealth Video games appearances.
