Well justified fears that the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games would not take place, after the originally announced host – Australia’s Victoria state – declared its inability to do so, can now be put to rest.
The Commonwealth Games Federation asserted Monday that it aimed to announce a new host for its 2026 event next month, stating that following the April meeting of its executive board, the CGF is “considering multiple proposals” from potential hosts.
The CGF declared: “Significant progress has been made and we are excited by the early concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the Games. We are now working collaboratively with the relevant Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to undertake further detailed assessments, and aim to announce the 2026 Commonwealth Games Host in May. Our CGAs have asked, and we have agreed, to keep their proposals confidential while this process is on-going.”
The CGF further stated: “The CGF would like to thank all CGAs who have been involved in the process for their hard work and commitment to the Commonwealth Sport Movement, as well as athletes, International Federations, National Governing Bodies and wider stakeholders for their continued patience and support.
“Alongside this process, the CGF continues to accelerate work to refresh the Games, a key commitment of Commonwealth United, our Strategic Plan, 2023-2034, including exploring innovative new concepts and event opportunities and consulting with leaders across the global sporting landscape. Importantly, we have been focusing on how we can transform the Games to a collaborative and truly sustainable model, minimising costs and reducing its environmental footprint, whilst increasing social impact. Through this work we aim to create a modern, flexible blueprint for the future that inspires athletes, excites International Federations and potential Hosts, and is in the best interests of the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.”
The Commonwealth Games, established in 1930 as the British Empire Games, are open to 74 nations and territories and have been staged in Australia, Canada, England, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales.
Last month, an Australian inquiry into the Victoria government’s decision to cancel announced it cost the state A$589 million ($385m) and the price estimate that resulted in it being shelved was “overstated and not transparent”, AP reports.
Victoria’s Auditor-General’s Office said agencies failed to work together to give “frank, full and timely advice” to the government before it decided to host the games.
In 2022 the Labor government led by then-Premier Daniel Andrews agreed to host the 2026 Games at an expected cost of about A$2.6 billion ($1.7 billion). But it pulled out in July 2023 after saying the figure had blown out to A$6.9 billion ($4.5 billion).
