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Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Harmanpreet Singh and coach Craig Fulton expressed their disappointment over the exclusion of hockey from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, just ahead of their Test series against Germany, set to begin on October 23. The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, will feature only 10 sports as part of cost-cutting measures. Unfortunately, key sports where India has traditionally excelled—such as hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling—are missing from the lineup.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had earlier confirmed a reduced schedule for the 2026 event, with fewer events compared to the 19 sports featured in the 2022 Birmingham edition. Other sports such as cricket, table tennis, squash, and road racing have also been left out.

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During a pre-match press conference, coach Fulton acknowledged the disappointing decision but chose to focus on the immediate task at hand: the Germany series. "I need time to think about that. It is what it is. Unfortunate, and at the same time, I am currently thinking about today and tomorrow," he said. "That is further down the line... But we are looking to play Germany tomorrow," added Fulton.

Harmanpreet, who played a key role in India’s silver-medal finish in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, also commented on the news, expressing his surprise. "I got to know it now. We didn’t know it was officially announced... Our target was the gold medal. But unfortunately, I am hearing this news. It’s not in our hands," he stated.

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India, a three-time silver medalist in hockey at the Commonwealth Games, now shifts focus to their two-match Test series against Germany in New Delhi on October 23 and 24.