KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey icon Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi supports the government’s interest in hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing that it will benefit the country’s sports landscape as a whole.
It was reported that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the cabinet would discuss and decide on the matter soon after thoroughly going through the study results presented on the aspects of organising the event.
The last time Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games was in 1998, where the contingent finished fourth in the medals table with 36 medals (10 golds, 14 silvers and 12 bronzes).
The Speedy Tigers, who also participated in the tournament in 1998, won silver under Mirnawan’s captaincy, where they succumbed 4-0 to Australia in the final.
Mirnawan said that the public should not underestimate the country’s capability in hosting the games, as it had a proven track record of hosting the quadrennial multi-sport event in the past.
“I totally support the government’s interest in hosting the Commonwealth Games, as we have managed to organise it in the past. Of course, the budget to organise the event is going to cost more compared to the last time, but I don’t think that will be a hindrance as we already have all the facilities ready.
“I look at it from the aspect of the sports industry as it will boost the revenue of our country’s sports tourism. I know it’s only two years down the road, but it doesn’t mean that the government won’t be able to organise it successfully.
“If the government is showing interest, for sure they would have done proper planning. We already have everything, including hotels that can accommodate the presence of the public and fans who come to watch the Games. Hence, showing interest in hosting the Games is good news for our country.
“It’s just that if we happen to host the Games, the Commonwealth Games Federation should not place high expectations on our country as we didn’t have up to six to eight years to prepare for the Games. However, I believe the federation will understand and work with what Malaysia can offer for the Games,” said Mirnawan when met at the C. Paramalingam Legends Trophy at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium today.
In 1998, it was reported that the Malaysian government, under the leadership of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, spent more than RM1.029 billion on the Commonwealth Games.
The total bill, including the provision of new roads, railways, land acquisitions and other facilities, plus the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport, came to nearly US$5 billion (RM23.4 billion).
The fate of the 2026 Commonwealth Games remains in question after the Australian state of Victoria, which was due to host, pulled out in July last year due to increased hosting costs from the initial expectation of A$2.6 billion (about RM8.09 billion) to A$7 billion.
Victoria’s government also reportedly agreed to pay A$380 million for a breach of contract for failing to host the games as scheduled from March 17-29, 2026.
Of the 74 countries and territories that are members of the Commonwealth Games Federation, only England, Canada, Australia, Wales, New Zealand, Jamaica, Scotland, India and Malaysia have hosted the Games. – March 10, 2024