Is it the end of the Commonwealth Games after Victoria pulls out of the 2026 event?

Placing the future of the quadrennial multi-sport event in doubt, Australia's Victoria state has announced its withdrawal as the host of the Commonwealth Games 2026. Citing budget crunch, the state's Premier, Dan Andrews, said that he was not ready to ask for money from schools and hospitals to host the game. The cost of hosting the game may potentially rise to more than A$7 billion ($4.77 billion) from a budgeted A$2.6 billion ($1.77 billion), according to Andrews, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said that Victoria's estimates were 50 per cent higher than those given to its members of the organising board. Also, the Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) has questioned Victoria's estimated cost for the event. Notably, CGF is now struggling to find a host to hold the 2026 games.

It is pertinent to mention that cities like Kingston (Jamaica), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and New Delhi (India) are the only locations outside the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to host Commonwealth events since they started in 1938.

What will happen next?

Victoria's withdrawal has now raised doubts that the games may not be held for the first time since being cancelled during the Second World War in 1942 and 1946. Meanwhile, neighbouring states like New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia have already said that they are not ready to host the game.

The Commonwealth Games Federation has expressed its disappointment over Victoria's decision but is also trying to find a solution for the Games in 2026. Earlier, when South Africa's hosting rights were taken away due to a lack of progress in preparations, Birmingham came forward to organise the 2022 games.

Ahmedabad likely to bid for 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Gujarat government, which has shown readiness for hosting the 2030 Olympics Games, could possibly become the next host of the quadrennial multi-sport event in 2026. According to reports, the Gujarat government is already preparing Ahmedabad to have necessary infrastructure ready by 2028, but with Victoria's withdrawal, it is expected that Gujarat will consider the prospect of bidding to host the Commonwealth Games 2026.