March 13, 2024
KUALA LUMPUR – What’s stopping Malaysia from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games? At the moment, not much.
All signs lead towards Malaysia hosting the quadrennial Games for the second time, with the first and only hosting taking place in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
The possibility of the Games being staged in Malaysia became a likely reality after winning bidder Victoria, Australia, pulled out as hosts last year.
The decision now rests with the Malaysian government to take up the offer to host the Games, with them not having to fork out much for the Commonwealth Games to take place in the country.
Backing from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) also further attributed to the spike in interest for Malaysia to host the Games, with the CGF offering a significant financial investment of £100mil (RM602mil) to support the local delivery and legacy planning of the 2026 edition.
The government need not fret about competition venues as the country boasts some of the best facilities in the region.
The 2026 Games will see 74 Commonwealth nations and territories compete, a slight increase in compared to the last time it was held on local soil in 1998 when approximately 3600 athletes from 70 Commonwealth nations participated.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said the country is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude and will involve minimal government spending while bringing significant socio-economic benefits to the country.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok said the news of the games coming back to Malaysian shores is exciting.
Bowling is an optional sport in the Commonwealth Games and has only been featured in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur when the national contingent won two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
“This is exciting news for the bowling camp. The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest events in the world and is definitely something MTBC are looking forward to returning to Malaysia,” he said.
Maradona said if Malaysia take up the host job, the national bowling team will be ready and up for the challenge.
“Our team is always ready to take up the challenge as we are regularly training and have proved through the years that we have continuity which has kept our team among the best in the world.
“We will certainly be ready when we are needed,” he said.
In 1998, Malaysia raked in 10 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze medals, ending up in fourth place on the medal table behind Australia, England, and Canada.