After Malaysia, Singapore also opts out of hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games

SINGAPORE:  Singapore has definitively opted against hosting the upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2026, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of this quadrennial multi-sport event.

Sport Singapore (SportSG) and Commonwealth Games Singapore (CGS) jointly announced this decision on Wednesday (3 April).

In their statement, they emphasized that they thoroughly assessed the feasibility of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games and concluded against submitting a bid.

This decision follows Singapore’s recent contemplation of an invitation from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the 2026 edition.

During last November’s general assembly, CGF extended invitations to all member associations, including Singapore.

The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, encompass a variety of sporting disciplines and involve competitors from 74 nations and territories.

The CGF has also approached Malaysia with an offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking the place of Victoria, Australia.

This proposal includes a significant financial aid package of £100 million (US$127 million) to facilitate the organization and planning of the event.

However, Malaysia officially withdrew from hosting the Games on 22 March.

The Ministry of Youth and Sport of Malaysia disclosed that the decision was reached by the Cabinet after a comprehensive study of various factors, including costs and implications.

The ministry clarified that the Cabinet determined the CGF’s grant to be insufficient to cover the entire expenses of hosting such a large-scale event.

“In addition, the economic impact (from the hosting of the event) could not be identified in the short term,” the statement said.

The Australian state of Victoria has withdrawn from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing escalating costs as the primary reason.

State Premier Daniel Andrews stated that the expense had exceeded initial estimates, and he was unwilling to reallocate funds from other sectors of the government’s budget to cover the shortfall.

This decision leaves the fate of the 2026 Commonwealth Games uncertain, as Victoria, originally slated to host the 23rd edition, pulled out in July of the preceding year due to mounting hosting expenses.

Initial projections estimated costs at A$2.6 billion (US$1.6 billion), but this figure ballooned to A$7 billion (US$4.5 billion), prompting the state’s withdrawal.

In addition to the financial implications, the Victoria state government has reportedly agreed to pay A$380 million (US$247 million) for breaching the contract to host the games, which were scheduled to take place from 17 to 29 March 2026.