Singapore is capable of hosting the Commonwealth Games, observers say. But does it need to?

SINGAPORE: Singapore has the cash and capabilities to host the next Commonwealth Games, but whether it should and does so comes down to what the country and its people stand to gain, observers told CNA.

Earlier in March, it was revealed that Singapore was “assessing the feasibility” of an invitation by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to stage the 2026 edition of the quadrennial multi-sport event.

In response to CNA’s queries, the Commonwealth Games Singapore (CGS) association and statutory board Sport Singapore (SportSG) said that during a November 2023 general assembly, CGF had invited all member states – including Singapore – to express interest in hosting the next edition of the Games.

The assembly was held in Singapore and convened four months after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out as hosts of the 2026 Games, citing projected cost overruns.

CNA spoke to observers across sporting, economic and political spheres to discuss some of the key considerations if Singapore were to host a Commonwealth Games.

Held once every four years, the first Commonwealth Games took place in 1930 as the British Empire Games. Participation is limited to members of the Commonwealth of Nations and their dependant territories.

The Commonwealth comprises 56 sovereign states including Singapore.

It consists of countries previously in the British Empire, others which remain British dominions and also others who opted in despite having no colonial links to Britain.

Currently, a total of 74 member nations and territories are eligible to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

The Games has only been held in Asia twice –  Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and New Delhi in 2010 – with hosting duties largely split between the UK, Australia, Canada and New