Gold Coast Dumps Commonwealth Games Bid

By: Gyang Dakwo

Australia’s Gold Coast has withdrawn its rescue-bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing lack of support from state or federal governments, mayor Tom State said on Sunday.

The Australian state of Victoria was originally slated to host the Games, but unexpectedly pulled out in July this year due to budget overruns.

The 700 million AUD ($466.62 million) joint bid with Perth for the quadrennial multi-sport event did not receive government backing following Victoria’s withdrawal.

“We did our best and that’s all people can expect,” Tate said in a statement.

“Sadly, at the same time, our country’s reputation as a place that reneges on a global sports contract remains in tatters.

“In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.”

The news comes two months after Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips said the Games’ global governing body was open to delaying the event a year to give potential hosts more time to prepare.

Australia, by far the Games’ most successful competing nation, has hosted five of the previous 22 editions.

For the Commonwealth games, the future remains uncertain, with Canada’s Alberta province also withdrawing its support for a bid for the 2030 event.