In a development that raises serious concerns about the future relevance of the multi-sport event, the city of Gold Coast has ruled itself out of hosting the 2026 edition of Commonwealth Games (CWG). This more or less ends any hope of Australia hosting the next CWG. (Sports News)
Announcing Gold Coast’s decision to withdraw its candidature for hosting the event, the city's mayor Tom Tate said in a statement, “In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.”
The Australian coastal city had organized the 2018 Games, and mayor Tate had unilaterally claimed the city could host the event again. But the federal and state governments had time and again ruled out supporting it, as had Tate's own deputy mayor Donna Gates.
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With the next CWG slated in three years' time and no clear bidder forthcoming, the organisers may have to postpone or cancel the next installment of the Games. A number of governments have said that the cost of the event is skyrocketing, while some experts argue that CWG's global image and perceived relevance is waning.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had struggled to find a host for the 2026 Games before Victoria volunteered, and a month after the state's withdrawal, the only contender for the 2030 Games - the Canadian province of Alberta - also dropped its hosting plans.
There were media reports about Ahmedabad being considered as an alternative venue for CWG 2026, though Gujarat government officials later said no decision has been taken by the state so far on bidding for the 2026 Games in Ahmedabad. But things still are unclear, and it remains to be seen whether any other Indian city will be propped up for serious candidature.
