Malaysia considers hosting ‘downsized’ Commonwealth Games or working with Singapore, cabinet to discuss issue this week
- Country was offered £100 million (HK$996 million) to defray hosting costs, and says it could hold fewer sports or not build a games village
- Leading sports official says collaborating with neighbouring Singapore is a ‘possibility’ but final decision on hosting will lie with government
The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said Monday it was considering hosting a “downsized” Commonwealth Games in 2026 but the final decision would lie with the government.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July last year, citing spiralling costs.
“For example, it doesn’t have to include 15 sports. It could be 10 sports, resulting in a smaller opening and closing ceremony,” OCM secretary general Mohamad Nazifuddin Najib said.
He also suggested several measures to reduce costs, such as using standard hotels and accommodation to house athletes and officials instead of building a dedicated Games village.
Malaysia could also redirect some of its budget for the Southeast Asian Games, which it is hosting in 2027, towards the Commonwealth event, he told reporters.
“So, all of that can be discussed, but we’ll let the decision come from the cabinet.”
Malaysian sports minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the government was considering the plan to host the Games, with the cabinet expected to discuss the matter this week.
“The most important thing is that when the decision is made, we assure you it will be after taking into consideration all the possible angles,” she was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
