GLASGOW 'RESET' FOR GAMES

Australia hopes pared-back Commonwealth Games format will attract future host cities

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Australia hopes that its support for a scaled-back Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026 will "reset" the multi-sport event's brand and entice more nations into hosting.

The Scottish government has backed the city's bid for the Games, which were originally to be hosted by Australia's Victoria state before it pulled out, citing cost concerns.

Glasgow's proposal includes competition for 10 sports at four different venues, 12 years after the Scottish city had 18 sports at the 2014 Games.

The costs will be almost entirely funded by compensation reportedly A$380 million (S$333 million) - paid to the global Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) by Victoria.

Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) has further agreed to pump in £2.3 million (S$3.9 million) to help cover Glasgow's security costs.

While Glasgow is yet to be confirmed, CGA boss Craig Phillips is confident it will go ahead, and that the Games have a future beyond 2026.