Malaysia decided not to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to the cost, the government announced. This is another setback to the event, which some people view as outdated.
The choice was made at a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, following Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the Games last year.
Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has declined the offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from the Commonwealth Games Federation.
The CGF is struggling to find a new host after Victoria pulled out due to high costs.
The CGF offered Malaysia and other potential hosts 100 million pounds ($125 million) to step in with just over two years until the Games were supposed to take place.
However, the Malaysian government stated that the offer was not enough to cover the entire cost of organizing such a large sports event, according to Yeoh.
“The government wants to focus on the development of sports as well as the welfare and well-being of the people,” she added.
Victoria’s sudden decision and the lack of an obvious alternative sparked debate about the future of the Games, which occur every four years and were last held in Birmingham in 2022.
Earlier this month, the CGF praised Malaysia’s “fantastic track record” for hosting the Games in 1998.
The CGF also indicated that it had approached other countries to host the Games, not just Malaysia.
Singapore stated that it was considering the feasibility of the CGF’s proposal.
The wealthy city-state also hosts the annual Formula One night race and will be hosting the World Aquatics Championships in 2025.
– ‘Reckless’ –
The possibility of Malaysia hosting the Games sparked intense debate.
Mohamad Norza Zakaria, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia, viewed it as a unique opportunity that could raise Malaysia's profile in sports.
But doubts arose last week after current and former senior officials expressed reservations.
Khairy Jamaluddin, a former youth and sports minister, criticized the idea and called it “reckless” due to the fast-approaching Games, which leaves little time for planning.
According to him, any host would require at least four years to upgrade venues, plan sponsorship, and establish infrastructure.
“The Commonwealth Games is not a significant, marquee sporting event,” he added.
“As far as multi-sports Games are concerned, it is nowhere near the Olympics or even the Asian Games in terms of participation, exposure, and returns,” Khairy stated.
AFP
