JOA Presidnet Says Malaysia’s Decline to Host Commonwealth Games is troubling

Malaysia’s sports minister say they have rejected an offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation, CGF, offered Malaysia 100-million pounds as supporting funds after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host.

But Malaysia’s sports ministry said the offer “will not cover the overall cost of hosting a large-scale sports event”.

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Christopher Samuda, says there’s still hope that a host country will be found.

Victoria’s withdrawal as host last July, because of soaring costs, has raised questions over the future of the Games.

Birmingham, which had been due to host in 2026, stepped in to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games when the South African city of Durban was stripped of hosting rights after running into money troubles and missing key deadlines.

Samuda says the CGF may have to consider re-branding the Games.

Christopher Samuda.