KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has no plans to withdraw from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, despite the organisers scaling the event down to only 10 sports, according to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
For context, more than 10 disciplines have been excluded from the quadrennial event, including sports where Malaysia has traditionally excelled.
Among the dropped sports are badminton, squash, diving, rhythmic gymnastics, and table tennis – disciplines in which Malaysia won a combined 15 medals, including four golds, at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Also removed from the program are field hockey, rugby sevens, road cycling, mountain biking, triathlon, beach volleyball, and wrestling.
However, weightlifting, para powerlifting, lawn bowls, judo, and track cycling – which earned Malaysia eight medals, including three golds, at Birmingham 2022 – remain part of the event.
OCM Secretary-General Datuk Nazifuddin Najib said that the governing body has chosen to move forward with the decision made by the Scottish government and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and focus on competing in the sports that can bring medals for the nation.
“Initially, we had plans to host the games, but we couldn’t do it due to unforeseen circumstances. Now, we no longer have key medal-winning sports such as badminton and squash in the games.
“We even requested the CGF to allow us to host the badminton events in Malaysia while the other sports take place in Glasgow, but the request was rejected.
“Whether we like it or not, we have to move on and accept that we can only compete in 10 sports this time.
“Withdrawing from the games simply because we can’t compete in badminton and squash would not be the right decision, as there are other sports that could benefit our country’s medal prospects, such as weightlifting, lawn bowls, and others.
“We should avoid being emotional and look at this situation on a case-by-case basis.
“Our contingent will certainly be smaller than before, and we need to accept that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a different experience. We hope that for the next editions after 2026, the CGF can return the games to its usual format,” Nazifuddin said during the 211th OCM executive council meeting at Bukit Kiara today.
Victoria, Australia, was originally set to host the 2026 Games but withdrew last year due to escalating costs.
Several countries, including Malaysia, were approached to replace Victoria, but all declined before Glasgow stepped in to host.
The Commonwealth Games has seen a decline in popularity, with many countries unwilling to host due to rising expenses.
Birmingham City Council declared bankruptcy just a year after hosting the 2022 competition. – November 9, 2024