On Wednesday, the Victorian government and the CGA invited international sporting federations for expressions of interest for the five to seven sports to be added to the 2026 program. The international federations have until August 19 to submit bids.
Phillips said: “The Victorian government does the shortlisting in discussion with us [the CGA] and then it goes to the CGF for endorsement. It’s their Games. I expect a decision by October on the final list of sports.”
Australia’s Brad Young (centre) celebrates with Adam Gilchrist and Steve Waugh after taking a hat-trick in the semi-final at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.Credit:Getty Images
He concedes that sports already on the Birmingham program but not initially chosen for 2026 – wrestling, judo and 3×3 basketball – are likely to lodge submissions.
The Victorian government is principally interested in sports that drive inbound tourism, or which are compelling on TV, while showcasing the attractions of the state’s regions to the Commonwealth’s 1.6 billion people.
Most of the $2.5 billion allocated in the budget for the 2026 Games is focused on legacy housing and sports facilities at the four regions hosting the events – Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. Melbourne’s MCG will host the opening ceremony, while the CGA is expected to lobby for the inclusion of track cycling at Melbourne’s velodrome.
There has also been a push to integrate sports popular with Pacific Island countries, such as va’a, an open water competition involving outrigger canoes. The Nagambie rowing course has been proposed as the venue for va’a and a possible 2026 rowing program. The Nagambie Rowing Club will soon announce a new event with the world’s richest prize money, modelled on an anticipated Commonwealth Games submission. Commonwealth countries are No.1 in the world in rowing, with 34 competing, including India.
The CGF has mandated only two compulsory sports – swimming and athletics – on future Games programs, but Phillips concedes little has been done to entice Canada to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games which would be the centenary of the first Games held in Hamilton, Ontario.
Canada has not paid broadcasting fees for Commonwealth Games since 2002.
Sports that would drive and reinvigorate Canadian interest in the Commonwealth Games are lacrosse, curling and rowing.
Lacrosse is played throughout the Commonwealth and is the only sport with historical roots to First Nation Indians. The Iroquois Nation, which includes parts of the USA and Canada, competes at the lacrosse world championships as a national team.
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