Picture Credit: Twitter
In a big news, the Australian state of Victoria has pulled out as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The news was confirmed on Tuesday morning, July 18 with the state citing financial constraints.
The decision which comes as a big blow to the Commonwealth Games, the State Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews too to Twitter to announce the decision and also reveal the reason behind this move after addressing a press conference in Melbourne.
The Premier of Victoria in his story wrote, “more than $6 billion for a 12-day sporting event is just too high. It’s more than twice the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring to our state.” In the tweet thread, he further stated that the main reason behind the decision to host the Games “was to create a big lasting benefit for our regions - with more housing, boosts to tourism and sporting infrastructure upgrades.”
The 2026 edition of the Games was set to be held across five regional hubs in the state, including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland and Shepparton. The Games which were last held in Birmingham in 2022, will feature 20 sports and 26 disciplines.
The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games also opened up after the Victoria Premier’s decision, adding that “the Organising Committee will now suspend it’s work.”
The concerned body also thanked the board and the members for the work so far, stating, “We thank them and the Board for their dedication, and we share their disappointment .”
