Indian Judo Team Faces Setback as Luggage Goes Missing Before CWG 2026

The Indian judo team is facing significant challenges just two days ahead of their participation in the Commonwealth Games 2026, set to take place in Glasgow. Upon their arrival, the 16-member squad encountered a distressing situation at the baggage claim area, where they discovered that their essential luggage had not arrived with them. This incident is far from a trivial issue concerning personal items; the lost bags contained critical training equipment, including the judogis that are mandatory for both practice sessions and official competitions. In judo, athletes are required to wear an approved judogi that adheres to specific standards regarding size and material thickness, making the absence of this gear particularly concerning for the team's preparation and performance in the upcoming games.

This unfortunate event is not an isolated case for Indian athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026. Just days before the judo team’s arrival, the Indian boxing team faced a similar predicament, with a substantial portion of their luggage also going missing upon landing in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has stepped in to address the issue, collaborating with airline and airport officials to locate the missing bags. The situation has added to the mounting pressure on the judo team, who have already experienced setbacks in the lead-up to the competition. Earlier, the team faced a significant blow when they were forced to withdraw two of their top competitors due to violations of anti-doping regulations, which has further complicated their preparations.

Among the athletes lost to the team is Tulika Maan, a promising judoka who had garnered attention as a strong medal contender after winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. Her suspension stemmed from a whereabouts violation, a serious infraction in the realm of elite sports where athletes are obligated to provide their precise locations for unannounced drug testing. Failing to comply with these requirements three times within a year results in severe penalties, leading to Maan's two-year ban from competition. Additionally, Arun Kumar, another key athlete, was also removed from the team after testing positive for a prohibited substance during a routine out-of-competition test. The combination of these setbacks, alongside the luggage issue, has created a challenging atmosphere for the Indian judo team as they strive to compete at a high level in Glasgow.