Commonwealth Games faces uncertain future ahead of centenary edition

GLASGOW, Scotland (AFP) — Glasgow stepped in to save the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but a slimmed down 10-sport model over the last 10 days has failed to dispel doubts over the future of the event. First held as the British Empire Games 96 years ago, the event was plunged into crisis in 2023 when the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts over mounting costs. Having hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow offered a cost-effective solution with existing venues already in place.

The Games were delivered at a budget of just £160 million compared to £780 million in Birmingham four years ago. The Indian city of Ahmedabad has been handed the baton for the centenary games in four years time, with the programme set to expand once more to between 15 and 17 sports. AFP Sports looks at the lessons of the 23rd Games and if they have a future in the modern sporting landscape.

Situated two years either side of the Olympic Games, the Commonwealths have often proven to be a launchpad for future stars. "The Commonwealth Games is where champions are made," the president of Commonwealth Sport, Dr Donald Rukare, told AFP. After storming to 100m gold in one of the Games' blue riband events, Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme said the Commonwealths four years ago had kickstarted his career at the elite level.

"The Commonwealth Games has been like a door opener for me," said Eseme after running 9.83 seconds despite sodden conditions in Scotland. "Things started getting going at the last Commonwealth Games with the national record of 10.08. No one in my country ever thought someone from Cameroon was going to run 10.08, I did it in the Commonwealth Games.

It was great and you know things have just been going well since." Australia may have ran away at the top of the medals table, hoovering up over 171 medals, including 70 golds, followed by England, Canada and India. But the Commonwealth Games are the chance for the smaller and lesser known of the 74 nations and territories. Jersey, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands were among those to come away from Glasgow with gold.

"This is where it all started for me, and this is probably where it will end," said Dominica's Olympic triple jump champion Thea LaFond. "It feels amazing to be a trailblazer for Dominica." The Commonwealths also gives some athletes the chance to represent nations or territories that are grouped together at Ol…