New Delhi: The Scottish Government on Tuesday agreed a rescue deal to host the slimmed down version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games just a day after Glasgow was reportedly said to host the multi-sport event. The decision was welcomed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
In July 2023, Australian state Victoria abruptly withdrew as the host of 2026 Games because of escalating costs. A month later, the Victorian Government agreed to a settlement coast of $380 million with the CGF, Commonwealth Games Federation Partnerships (CGFP) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).
However, the future of the multi-sporting event was put in jeopardy with a lack of hosts. But that won’t be the case now with the Scottish city coming to its rescue.
“I was pleased to write to Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) today to inform them that the Scottish Government will give its support for the proposal,” said Scottish health secretary Neil Gray, as quoted by news agency AFP.
The announcement came after Gray met with the representatives of Commonwealth Games Australia and Commonwealth Games Scotland on Monday.
“The fact that Glasgow was asked to step in and host the 2026 Games is testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events. That said, we have been clear that our financial resources are limited,” Gray said, as quoted by The Guardian.
CGF delighted with Scottish government’s approval
The formal approval is yet to be made from CGF and Commonwealth Games Scotland, though CGF president Chris Jenkins was delighted with the backing of Scottish government at the last minute.
“We have been working with Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Scottish Government for several months and are delighted to hear CGS has received confirmation of support from the Government to enable them to progress with their proposal to host the Games in 2026,” Jenkins said in a statement.
“At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100 million ($132 million) from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK Governments,” he added.
The Commonwealth Games was started in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and has so far completed 22 editions. The event has been regularly hosted for every four years since 1950 with the last edition being staged in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 2022. Glasgow hosted the 2014 edition of the CWG.
The Scottish Government on Tuesday agreed a rescue deal to host the slimmed down version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games just a day after Glasgow was reportedly said to host the multi-sport event. The decision was welcomed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
