KUALA LUMPUR — The decision to drop hockey from the upcoming scaled-down 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has left many in the fraternity stunned.
It is understood that Scottish hockey fans are displeased with the decision, especially after the Scottish government’s recent investment of £5 million (RM28.1 million) in the Glasgow National Hockey Centre, a 5,000-capacity venue renovated in 2021.
The venue now risks being underutilised.
It was reported that even Scottish Hockey chief executive Derek Keir was “deeply disappointed” by the decision of its government.
Echoing the same sentiment as Derek, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that the exclusion of hockey could impact the participating teams’ ranking points, as the Commonwealth Games is part of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) match calendar.
“This decision is undoubtedly disappointing, as tournaments like the Commonwealth Games provide us with ranking points, and we have been participating in this event for years,” Subahan told Scoop when contacted.
“In addition, during the Commonwealth Games, the teams’ administrative and financial requirements are covered by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
“For MHC, which lacks sufficient funds to send teams for tournaments, the Games would have offered our players valuable exposure to compete against some of the world’s best teams.
“I can only hope that hockey is included. I am certain that not only Malaysia but other Commonwealth countries share the same sentiment and ambition,” Subahan added.
More than 10 disciplines have been dropped, including sports where Malaysia has traditionally excelled.
Aside from hockey, other excluded sports are badminton, squash, diving, rhythmic gymnastics, and table tennis – sports in which Malaysia won a combined 15 medals, including four golds, at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Also removed from the programme are rugby sevens, road cycling, mountain biking, triathlon, beach volleyball, and wrestling.
However, weightlifting, para powerlifting, lawn bowls, judo, and track cycling – which earned Malaysia eight medals, including three golds, at Birmingham 2022 – remain part of the event.
Victoria, Australia, was originally set to host the 2026 Games but withdrew last year due to escalating costs.
Several countries, including Malaysia, were approached to replace Victoria, but all declined before Glasgow was selected as the host by the Commonwealth Games Federation.
The Commonwealth Games has seen a decline in popularity, with many countries unwilling to host due to rising expenses. Birmingham City Council declared bankruptcy just a year after hosting the 2022 competition. – October 25, 2024