Malaysia has declined the opportunity to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing concerns over excessive costs and insufficient funding. This decision represents a significant setback for the quadrennial multi-sport event, which has faced challenges in securing willing hosts in recent times.
In the wake of the Australian state of Victoria’s withdrawal as host last year due to escalating expenses, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the governing body of the Games, has been actively seeking an alternative venue. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews had cited the ballooning costs as the reason for the withdrawal, cautioning that the event’s expenses could surpass double the initial projections.
He said he could not take money from hospitals and schools to fund an event that would be “three times more expensive than what we were told and budgeted for.”
However, the CGF says it is still committed to finding a solution. In a statement, it said it was “saddened” by Victoria’s decision but remains open to working with the state to make the Games more affordable. It also praised Malaysia’s track record, having staged the Games—which mostly feature former British colonies—in 1998.
However, the Youth and Sports Ministry said the Cabinet had “decided that the Malaysian Government can no longer consider staging the 2026 Commonwealth Games.” It said it could not identify the economic benefits in a short time frame and that the CGF’s offer of 100 million pounds ($126 million) is not expected to bear the total costs of hosting the Games.
It was the latest blow for an event that has raised questions about its relevance in a post-colonial world. Britain’s Olympic diving champion Tom Daley last month condemned homophobia across the Games’ 56 nations, where gay people can be prosecuted under laws that have their roots in colonial rule and carry punishments of up to life imprisonment.
Despite this, the CGF has been keen to keep the Games alive. It has pushed for new revenue streams such as ticketing and is considering options to ensure the games can be held at least every four years. It hopes to find a new venue for the 2026 Games before the end of this year, but it may be too late.
The Indian Olympic Association has confirmed that it is ready to bid for the 2026 Games but says it will seek approval from the executive board and general assembly of the IOA. Dame Louise Martin, president of the CGF, has previously admitted that the Games need to modernize and change to survive. But critics say the Games are less popular than they used to be and are not a good use of taxpayers’ money. Its commercial appeal has been dented by a need for more television coverage and the fact that many of its athletes are now competing at more significant events.
