Victoria state of Australia has withdrawn from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to significant cost overruns, according to a report by Times of India.
Sources from the Gujarat government informed TOI that Ahmedabad city has been preparing to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has been developing the necessary infrastructure. Initially, the state aimed to complete the work by 2028, but now it is projected to be finished before the 2026 games. As a result, Ahmedabad is considering bidding to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The sources also expressed hope that the Indian government will consider Ahmedabad’s bid for the games. “The projects for Ahmedabad’s bid for the 2036 Olympics will be completed by 2026. With Victoria pulling out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Gujarat is confident that the Union government will approve their bid to host the 2026 Games in Ahmedabad,” the sources claimed as quoted by TOI.
India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and had shown interest in hosting either the 2026 or 2030 edition of the games in 2019. The IOA secretary general, Rajiv Mehta, stated at that time, “We have decided to make a bid for the 2026 or 2030 Commonwealth Games and we have also decided to send our contingent to Birmingham for the 2022 Games.”
In 2022, Birmingham stepped in to save the Games after South Africa lost its hosting rights. Victoria emerged as the only viable candidate for the 2026 Games after other cities dropped out due to cost concerns. Victoria previously hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, while the most recent edition was held on the Gold Coast, Queensland in 2018.
Following Victoria’s withdrawal, the Commonwealth Sports Movement described it as “hugely disappointing” for athletes and authorities. The cost of hosting the Games was estimated at $6 billion, which is 50% higher than the Victorian government’s previous recommendation. The CGF expressed disappointment with the sudden decision and lack of communication.
Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games five times and has achieved a significant number of medals. The 2026 Games were scheduled to be held in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Gippsland.
The Commonwealth Games, previously known as the British Empire Games, have been held since 1930 and involve teams from 54 Commonwealth member countries. England, Australia, New Zealand, Wales, Jamaica, Scotland, Malaysia, and India have all hosted the Games over the years.
(With inputs from ANI)