The door that opened when the 2026 Commonwealth Games became available is an exciting opportunity that requires leadership and a need to get out of a perceived comfort zone.
A collective effort will be needed in terms of planning, and execution, and the all-important financial equation needs to be in favour of the hosting nation.
There is a need to define the Games in a new way – the large expenditure on new assets is not a workable model, neither for the Games currently on the table nor for future Commonwealth Games for that matter.
Malaysia can set a new benchmark not by going bigger and better but by actual delivery on current or near-current capabilities.
The Commonwealth Games have been about presenting the collective sporting achievements of 56 nations together with presenting to the world the development of the host countries.
Perhaps Malaysia too could present what it has, unapologetically.
Imagine what delivering one of the largest multi-sports events in the world would do to the national spirit and investor confidence.
Collectively, it may be an opportunity too big to take a bite out of and to deliver in a meaningful way considering the condensed timeline.
With the current reality as it is, perhaps hosting a smaller Commonwealth Games should be the offer put on the table by Malaysia; host the core sports and let another country take on the others.
In the post-COVID world, something is better than nothing.
The recent post-mortem of the Taylor Swift concert has found discussions in both the parliaments of Singapore and Malaysia.
Most looked at the positive equation in terms of economic impact and national branding.
One key element was the fact that the venue was in good condition and well-maintained. This means to take advantage of these targets of opportunity the constant maintenance of sporting assets is now of national interest and not just a line item as part of a big event around the corner.
With the current position of the Malaysian Ringgit, the tourism equation would be very attractive for international sports fans. Malaysia has always been able to punch above its weight when it comes to the cost-to-benefit ratio for hotels and resorts.
There is now a need to fill those hotels with high-paying international visitors looking to spend dollars and pounds. Long-haul airline operators would also see a spike in demand, before, during and after the Games.
In the final analysis, before a decision is made by the government, one thing is clear, the sports industry coupled with sports tourism is a high-value opportunity that the country needs to embrace for the direct benefit of the economy, local sports associations, athletes, and the considerable tourism industry that already exists.
The sustainable future lies in leveraging what the country already has and believing that Malaysia can do what others can’t do even against the odds.
Letter to Editor by Nordin Abdullah Founding Chairman – Malaysia Global Business Forum
The photo is taken from Google and it is credited to Creator: JIMIN LAI | Credit: STAR
