'RECKLESS' TO HOST THE C'WEALTH GAMES

Malaysia officials say 2026 edition is too soon, no longer marquee with little benefits

Doubts emerged on March 12 over the prospect of Malaysia hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, after current and former senior officials expressed grave reservations about the country stepping in.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July 2023, citing spiralling costs.

Victoria's sudden move and the lack of an obvious alternative triggered debate about the future of the Games, which take place every four years and were last held in 2022 in Birmingham.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia on March 11 said that the Londonbased CGF had "offered Malaysia the opportunity to replace Victoria as hosts of the Commonwealth Games in 2026".

"The offer includes significant financial investment of £100 million (S$170 million) to support the local delivery and legacy planning of the 2026 edition," it said.

Commonwealth Games chiefs subsequently praised Malaysia's "fantastic track record", with the South-east Asian country having staged the Games in 1998.

But a CGF spokesperson also suggested that Malaysia was not the only country that could potentially stage the Games in 2026.

The spokesperson said the organisation was "in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts".