SHAH ALAM - A former national badminton player has expressed his surprise at the exclusion of badminton from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling it a sport that has long been a staple for Malaysia’s medal hopes.
Speaking at the Royal Patron Signing Ceremony of the Roslin Hashim Badminton Academy (RHBA) on Wednesday, former national shuttler Roslin Hashim said that badminton has been Malaysia’s stronghold in the Commonwealth Games since 1966.
"This sport has always been synonymous with Commonwealth-level competition and this decision is indeed surprising,” he said.
Roslin also pointed out that other sports that have been excluded from the 2026 Games could potentially reduce the nation's chances of winning medals.
However, he remains optimistic about Malaysia's athletes.
"I think the medal count for our athletes may decrease, but I believe other events will still shine,” he added.
At the Birmingham 2022 Games, Malaysia clinched two gold medals, won by the women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah and in the mixed team event.
According to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), only 10 sports will be included in the 2026 edition, compared to the 19 sports that were contested at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Looking ahead, Roslin shared his vision for the RHBA, which was founded in 2016, aiming to nurture players who can eventually represent the nation.
The academy, based in Puncak Alam, has big ambitions for the future of Malaysian badminton.