Henrik mertgens

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: The Indian men's hockey team forward Mandeep Singh called the decision to exclude hockey from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ‘sad news’ for Indian hockey. “It was a major hockey tournament for us and it's sad news for the sport but it is what it is so we will focus on the World Cup and the Asian Games,” Mandeep Singh told IANS.

In a major blow to India's medal hopes in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the organisers have dropped hockey, cricket, wrestling, badminton, squash, and table tennis among others from the sports programme for the coming edition.

Mandeep is a part of the squad that is playing a two-game bilateral series against Germany in New Delhi. The first test, also the first game being played at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in 11 years, saw Germany register victory through first-half goals by Henrik Mertgens (4’) and Lukas Windfeder (30’).