Commonwealth Games: Malaysia to consider hosting a downsized edition in 2026; Singapore also in fray
The Australian state of Victoria was the original host, but pulled out in July citing spiralling costs.
The Olympic Council of Malaysia said on Monday that it was considering hosting a “downsized” Commonwealth Games in 2026 but the final decision would lie with the government.
The Commonwealth Games Federation is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July last year, citing spiralling costs.
“For example, it doesn't have to include 15 sports,” OCM secretary-general Mohamad Nazifuddin Najib said. “It could be 10 sports, resulting in a smaller opening and closing ceremony.
“So, all of that can be discussed, but we'll let the decision come from the cabinet.”
Malaysian sports minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the government was considering the plan to host the Games.
“The most important thing is that when the decision is made, we assure you it will be after taking into consideration all the possible angles,” she was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
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Victoria’s sudden move, and the lack of an obvious alternative, triggered debate about the future of the Games, which take place every four years and were last held in Birmingham in 2022.
Malaysia said last week the CGF had offered “a significant financial investment of 100 million pounds” to help support...
