Commonwealth Games chiefs hail Malaysia’s ‘record’ as nation emerges as possible host of 2026 edition – Firstpost
On Monday, the Olympic Council of Malaysia said the London-based CGF had “offered Malaysia the opportunity to replace Victoria as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
Commonwealth Games officials have hailed Malaysia’s “fantastic record” after the country said it had been offered £100 million ($130 million) to host the 2026 edition. The Games Federation Commonwealth of Nations (CGF) is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly withdrew in July last year, citing cost.
Victoria’s sudden decision and lack of an obvious alternative has sparked a debate over the future of the Games, which take place every four years and will last be held in Birmingham in 2022. On Monday, the Olympic Council of Malaysia said the London-based CGF had “offered Malaysia the opportunity to replace Victoria as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“The bid includes a significant financial investment of £100 million to support local delivery and legacy planning for the 2026 edition.” Malaysia hosted the Games in 1998.
Mohamad Norza Zakaria, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… which will build on the success of Kuala Lumpur 1998 and put Malaysia back on the global sporting map”.
A CGF spokesperson suggested Malaysia was not the only country likely to host the Games in 2026, saying the organization was “in advanced and confidential discussions with potential hosts”.
But the spokesperson added: “Malaysia has a fantastic track record of hosting sporting events, and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur was a huge success.
“We are encouraged by their early ideas to build on this legacy using many of the same world-class facilities. »
The spokesperson said the £100 million in “financial and strategic support” was being offered to any potential host as part of Victoria’s withdrawal settlement.
