Singapore has officially decided against hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026, marking a significant development in the future of the multi-sport event. Both Sport Singapore (SportSG) and Commonwealth Games Singapore (CGS) stated that they have thoroughly assessed the feasibility of hosting the Games and opted not to submit a bid for the event.
Following a few weeks of assessing feasibility, Singapore has decided not to pursue hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This decision follows an invitation from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) during last November’s general assembly, where all member associations, including Singapore, were invited to express interest in hosting the Games. This development comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts for the 2026 Games due to projected cost overruns.
Daniel Andrews, the former state premier of Victoria, expressed concerns about the escalating costs of hosting the Commonwealth Games, which could have soared to over A$7 billion from the initially budgeted A$2.6 billion. This significant increase led him to announce Victoria’s withdrawal as hosts, citing an unwillingness to divert funds from essential services like hospitals and schools.
With the Australian state pulling out and no clear alternative after Gold Coast’s bid fell through, discussions have arisen regarding the future of the Games. The budget disparity between the previous Birmingham Games (£778 million) and the projected 2026 Games in Victoria (four times the budget) has raised further questions about the viability and sustainability of hosting such major sporting events.
MALAYSIA WILL NOT STEP IN TO REPLACE VICTORIA
Malaysia’s recent decision to decline hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games stemmed from concerns about the costs involved. Despite the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offering £100 million in financial and strategic support to replace Victoria, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh expressed doubts that this amount would cover the entirety of organizing such a large-scale sports event.
The Malaysian government prioritizes sports development and the welfare of its citizens, leading to the decision not to pursue hosting the Games. Meanwhile, the CGF continues its search for a host for the 2030 Games after Alberta withdrew its support for a bid last year.
