Erica Wiebe Advocates for Wrestling's Inclusion Over Boxing in 2026 Commonwealth Games

The upcoming edition, set to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, will feature only 10 sports after Victoria, Australia, withdrew from hosting. In the scaled-down version of the Games, wrestling, along with shooting, hockey, badminton, and cricket, has been left out.

Wiebe, who won gold in the women’s 75 kg wrestling category at the 2016 Rio Olympics, expressed her disappointment over the decision.

"It's really disappointing. They chose a very different model for the Games this time, but I wish they had included wrestling over boxing," Wiebe said in an interview with PTI-Bhasha.

She emphasized that wrestling is a more accessible sport and an important platform to showcase talent from diverse nations, especially countries like India and Nigeria, which have produced incredible wrestlers.

Despite the setback, WIEBE remains hopeful that wrestling will return to the Commonwealth Games in future editions.

"I think things will change. We don’t know what the future holds, but hopefully, by the 2030 Commonwealth Games, we will see wrestling back on the roster," she added.

Currently, Wiebe is in India at the Inspire Institute of Sport, participating in an international women’s wrestling camp and a ‘Wrestling Masterclass’ program organized by United World Wrestling (UWW) and IIS.She spoke highly of Indian wrestling and the role models it has produced.

"I have great respect for many Indian athletes, especially wrestlers. Bajrang Punia is an incredible wrestler and ally, and India has a strong presence in women's freestyle wrestling," she said.

Wiebe also praised Indian wrestling icons like the Phogat sisters, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, calling them not just champions on the mat but also inspiring figures off it.

She acknowledged that wrestling at the Asian level is extremely competitive, with athletes from the continent bringing a unique style to the sport.