London:The Commonwealth Games Federation on Tuesday announced that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be hosted by Victoria in Australia. According to the Federation, it will be the first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games. Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The decision to hold major multi-sport competition across Victoria was announced after dialogues held between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) and Victoria that began in February. “There will be a phased approach in creating the sports programme for Victoria 2026. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year,” the CGF said. CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event. In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey. This is a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sport Family and on behalf of the entire Movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other.” Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions wherein Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games. The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from July 28 July – August 8. UNI RNJ
