Several badminton associations have slammed the decision of the 2026 Commonwealth Games organizers to exclude badminton from the Games that is scheduled to be held in the city of Glasgow, Scotland.

Glasgow took up the offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games at the last minute after several countries declined to host the Games, including Malaysia.

But the Games is now set to become a scaled down affair with only 10 sports to be contested as diving, squash and table tennis were also cut out.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) described the exclusion as a huge setback for the Indian sports.

“This isn’t just a loss for the sport and its sportspersons, it feels like a conspiracy to sideline India’s rising potential to the region.

“The BAI stands firmly in protest and will be reaching out to all relevant authorities as the Commonwealth and Badminton World Federation,” said BAI general-secretary Sanjay Mishra.

Former Indian women’s doubles shuttler Jwala Gutta was also upset with the decision.

“Excluding badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games is absolutely shocking and disappointing! It’s one of the most watched sport in the world. I hope this decision is reconsidered for the sake of the sport and sportperson!,” she posted on her social media account.

The Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) chief executive Alan Ow said badminton’s exclusion will diminish the Games, while Singapore’s mixed doubles specialist Terry Hee was also disappointed.

“We are naturally disappointed that badminton has been dropped from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is a pity that badminton players will not get to compete alongside other Singaporean athletes,” Hee told The Straits Times

Badminton England also condemned the decision, saying : "Badminton England is deeply disappointed to receive confirmation that badminton, one of the most popular, inclusive and accessible participation sports in the country has not been selected to feature as part of a significantly reduced Commonwealth Games programme in Glasgow 2026."

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh expects Malaysia to lose out on 16 potential medals following the sports that were dropped, but added that she respects the decision of the organizers.

Badminton has always delivered medals for the country at the Commonwealth Games, winning 31 golds, 22 silvers and 16 bronze medals.

At the 2022 edition, Malaysia won two gold medals through Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah in the women’s doubles, and also in the mixed team event.