Reasons behind Singapore’s decision not to make a bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2026

Response to parliamentary question on the reasons why Singapore decided not to host the Commonwealth Games 2026 and if a joint-bid with a neighbouring country was considered

Oral PQ 6003. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the reasons behind the decision by Commonwealth Games Singapore and Sport Singapore not to make a bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games; and (b) whether the Government has considered a joint-bid with a neighbouring country to reduce the hosting resources.

1. We assess the feasibility of hosting any major sporting event by considering whether it would be in Singapore’s interests to do so.  This includes our sporting, social and economic outcomes. These factors have to be balanced against the cost of hosting the event, including infrastructure and manpower costs, and other opportunity costs. 
2. As mentioned in our response to PQ 5885, the Commonwealth Games Federation invited all Commonwealth Games Associations, including Singapore, to express interest in hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. We have since studied the feasibility of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, including whether it would be feasible to do so jointly with another country, taking into consideration the factors above.  We have decided not to make any bid or joint-bid to host the Games.