New Delhi, India

On Friday (March 22), the Malaysian government rejected an offer to take up the hosting rights of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, its sports ministry informed. The decision was made due to uncertainty over the economic impact and insufficient funding offered for the mega event. Malaysia was requested to host the event after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew in late 2023, citing ballooning costs. 

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The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) came up with a magnanimous offer of 100 million pounds ($126.21 million) as supporting funds to Malaysia. However, the country's government has rejected the offer.

Youth and Sports Minister Yeoh told parliament, on Thursday (March 21), that the ministry would call for spending to be limited to the amount offered by the CGF if the government gave its nod to host, emphasising a need to protect public funds.

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'The offer will not be able to cover the overall cost...'

"The offer will not be able to cover the overall cost of hosting a large-scale sports event," Malaysia's sports and youth ministry said in a statement. "Additionally, the economic impact could not be identified in this short timeframe," it further read.

Malaysia hosted the CWG in 1998. The last edition was held in Birmingham, England. However, there are a lot of doubts regarding the future of the next edition. At present, questions are been raised across the globe over the continued relevance and benefits of the mega event given its current complexity.

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Talking about the last edition, Australia ended at the top with 178 medals, closely followed by England (176). Canada was third (92 medals) whereas India had its best-ever run, claiming 61 medals.