KARACHI: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has decided to formally write to the Commonwealth Games Federation over exclusion of hockey and wrestling from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Informed sources claimed that the POA would send an official letter to the federation, urging the latter to reconsider its decision to exclude these sports, which are seen as Pakistan’s medal prospects in the game. The decision to drop several sports, including hockey and wrestling, from the Games in Glasgow has already caught criticism from various quarters.

The sources added that the Indian Olympic body is also unhappy with the decision and they’re likely to join POA in writing the Commonwealth sports body 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 source said. It added that in a recent regional meeting held in Male, Maldives, on September 24-25, 2024, the Commonwealth Games Association of Pakistan (in this case, the POA) had recommended to CGF officials that hockey and wrestling be included in the upcoming Games. They also submitted in writing advocating for the inclusion of these sports.