KUALA LUMPUR — The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games organisers’ decision to exclude squash has not been well-received by the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).
The association plans to lobby for the sport’s inclusion when it meets with the World Squash Federation (WSF) in the next two months.
This response follows the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) statement, which announced that the event would be scaled down to only 10 sports.
SRAM president Gerard Monteiro expressed concern over the exclusion of squash, calling it a major blow to Malaysia’s medal hopes at the Commonwealth Games.
Since squash was introduced in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur edition, Malaysia has won six medals in the sport: two gold, one silver, and three bronze.
“This is news to me, and we have not received any updates from the WSF so far. If this news is true, it will, of course, be a big loss for the country, as we have many athletes who have contributed medals over the years.
“SRAM will certainly have discussions with the WSF by the end of the year to explore any possibilities of having squash included in the Commonwealth Games.
“From our side, we will fight to the utmost to ensure the sport is reinstated,” said Gerard during a press conference today.
More than 10 disciplines have been dropped, including sports where Malaysia has traditionally excelled.
Aside from squash, other excluded sports are badminton, 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 field hockey, 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 CGF.
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 23, 2024