“The Ministry of Youth and Sport today announced the Government’s decision not to accept the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.” Minister Hannah Yeoh said in a press release.
CGF is struggling to search out a bunch after Victoria withdrew last July attributable to rising costs.
CGF has offered Malaysia and other potential hosts 100 million kilos ($125 million) to are available just over two years before the scheduled date of the Games.
However, the Malaysian government said that “the offer shouldn’t be expected to find a way to cover the complete costs of hosting a large-scale sporting event,” Yeoh said.
“The government wants to focus on the development of sports, as well as the welfare and well-being of citizens,” she added.
“Glorifying the British”? Malaysians oppose the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games
“Glorifying the British”? Malaysians oppose the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Victoria’s sudden move and the dearth of an obvious alternative have sparked debate over the long run of the games, that are held every 4 years and were last held in Birmingham in 2022.
Earlier this month, the CGF praised the “unbelievable achievements” of Malaysia, which organized the 1998 Games with mainly former British colonies.
However, the CGF also suggested that Malaysia was not the one country it had approached to host the Games.
This affluent city also hosts Formula 1 night races yearly and can host the World Swimming Championships in 2025.
The prospect of Malaysia hosting the Games has sparked fierce debate.
Mohamad Norza Zakaria, president of the Malaysian Commonwealth Games Association, called it a “once in a lifetime opportunity” that might put Malaysia back on the sporting map.
Poverty threatens older people in Malaysia, with low wages affecting their pensions
Poverty threatens older people in Malaysia, with low wages affecting their pensions
But doubts emerged concerning the idea last week after current and former senior officials expressed reservations.
Khairy Jamaluddin, former youth and sports minister, rejected the thought and called it “reckless” since the games are fast approaching and leave little time for planning.
He said each host would wish a minimum of 4 years to upgrade facilities, plan sponsorships and arrange infrastructure.
“The Commonwealth Games are not a major sporting event,” he added.
“When it comes to multi-sport games, they are not like the Olympics or even the Asian Games in terms of participation, exposure and profits,” Khairy said.
