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Malaysia and Singapore are assessing the feasibility of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
£100m in “financial and strategic support” is on offer for whichever member association is prepared to pick up the Games after spiralling costs caused the Australian state of Victoria to pull out.
Officials from Malaysia confirmed it was in talks earlier this week, after which it also emerged that Singapore was “currently assessing the feasibility” of an invitation by the Commonwealth Games Federation to stage the 2026 Games.
All member associations were invited to express an interest during last November’s general assembly.
Malaysia hosted the Games in the capital Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
The President of Commonwealth Games Association Malaysia, Mohamad Norza Zakaria, said: “CGA Malaysia is of the opinion that the Government of Malaysia should consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and the associated support and financial investment – which will build on the success of Kuala Lumpur 1998 and put Malaysia back onto the world sporting map.
“With the existing world-class facilities, Malaysia is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude involving 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. The hosting will involve minimal Government spending and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the country.
“It will also elevate the standard of Malaysia sports much like the way it did in the aftermath of the 1998 Games. To this end, the CGF and CGA Malaysia have offered an attractive proposal to the Government of Malaysia.”
Singapore’s interest was confirmed by Channel News Asia.
During this year’s Budget Speech, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to bring more major sporting events to Singapore, setting aside US$124 million over the next four years to achieve that.
The country will host the World Aquatic Championships next year.
A Commonwealth Games Association spokesman has said it is in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts to secure a solution for the 2026 Games that inspires athletes and helps transform the Games to a truly sustainable model.
"We welcome innovative proposals and are in positive discussions with potential hosts. We are committed to providing an update on the expedited process, and giving greater clarity to our stakeholders and athletes, as soon as possible."
Pictured top: the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur was opened for the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
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