By Paul Jones

Welsh athletes hoping for firm news over the next Commonwealth Games have been dealt another blow after Singapore joined Malaysia in ruling out hosting the 2026 version.

The decision has plunged the future of the multi-sport event into further doubt.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has been scrambling to find a new host after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew last year because of soaring costs.

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Commonwealth Games gets another blow as Singapore rules out playing host in 2026👀

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Malaysia emerged as a possible replacement but turned down the opportunity last month because of the cost, despite the offer of a £100 million sweetener from the CGF.

The financial support is available to any prospective host, but Singapore confirmed on Wednesday it would not be stepping in.

“Commonwealth Games Singapore and Sport Singapore have studied the feasibility of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games and have decided not to make any bid to host the Games,” the two sports bodies said in a joint statement, giving no more detail.

Victoria’s sudden pullout, and the lack of an obvious alternative, have raised doubts over the future of the Games, which take place every four years and around which many sports in Wales have their funding based.

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The Games were last hosted in 2022 Birmingham where Wales won eight gold medals, six silver and 14 bronze.

The CGF hopes that the Games’ perceived strengths of inclusivity and integration – with para sports now mixed in with able-bodied events – will secure a host just two years out from the multi-sport event.

Katie Sadleir, the CEO of the CGF, has accepted time is pressing but says intensive efforts are under way.

“The process to determine a host for the 2026 Games is continuing at pace with interested Commonwealth Games Associations,” she said last month.

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