Scotland has stepped in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew its plans due to escalating costs. Glasgow, which successfully hosted the event in 2014, will take on the responsibility again, although some sports will be dropped to reduce costs and make the event more sustainable.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, confirmed on X that while the games will be scaled back compared to 2014, it will remain a “celebration of sporting achievement.” Health Secretary Neil Gray assured that Scotland’s hosting will not require additional government funding, with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) providing £20 million for the event, including £5 million for Glasgow’s capital upgrades. If necessary, the U.K. government has also pledged £2.3 million in contingency funding.
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