Glasgow set to be announced as host city of 'scaled down' 2026 CWG: Report

NEW DELHI: Glasgow, the Scottish capital, is reportedly set to be named as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following the withdrawal of the Australian state of Victoria in July 2023.

The Games, which were originally planned to be held across multiple cities in Victoria, will now be a "scaled down" version of the event.

Victoria's sudden decision to pull out of hosting the Games was due to a significant increase in the projected costs. As a result, the Victorian government had to pay a compensation of 380 million Australian dollars (approximately USD 256 million) to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

This withdrawal was a significant setback for the event, which has been struggling to maintain its relevance in recent years.

However, it has been reported that the Australian authorities have pledged "a multi-million pound investment" to support Glasgow's bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This financial backing is expected to play a crucial role in finalizing Glasgow's offer to save the multi-sport event.

"Glasgow, which hosted the games in 2014, is now close to confirming a scaled down event featuring fewer sports," the BBC reported, as quoted by PTI.

"The Scottish government is on the verge of agreeing a deal for Glasgow to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026."

The Scottish and United Kingdom governments had declined to allocate public funds for the rescue bid, which was primarily financed by a substantial contribution of 100 million pounds (approximately USD 130 million) from the CGF.

Despite this, UK government Health Secretary Neil Gray cautioned that the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games would differ from Glasgow's previous experience as the host city.