Glasgow 2026’s scaled-down Commonwealth Games format does not set a future trend, says Malaysia’s chef de mission Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz.
THE SCALED-down format adopted for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games does not necessarily set the future direction of the multi-sport event, says Malaysia’s Chef de Mission (CDM) Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz.
He said the reduced number of sports and use of existing venues for this edition were necessitated by the short preparation period after Victoria, Australia, withdrew as host.
Awalan said the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, India, are expected to return to a larger programme, featuring about 17 to 20 sports.
“I do not see it as such (a new direction). I understand that the next Commonwealth Games will be held in Ahmedabad, India, where it will return to the original number of sports.
“During today’s Chef de Mission meeting, we were informed that Glasgow had less than two years to organise the Games,” he told reporters after observing the national artistic gymnastics squad’s training session at the Glasgow International Arena here today.
Glasgow 2026 will feature only 10 sports, compared with 20 at Birmingham 2022, with all events to be held across four existing venues as part of a smaller, more cost-effective Games.
Meanwhile, Awalan said the Malaysian contingent was in good shape ahead of the Games, which begin tomorrow, with health and injury prevention remaining the top priorities.
“The athletes have undergone a long preparation period leading up to these Commonwealth Games. It is important for them to remain in peak condition, stay healthy and be fully prepared when they compete. Overall, I am satisfied with their level of readiness,” he said.
He also advised newly arrived athletes to adjust quickly to the local time zone to minimise the effects of jet lag.
Awalan added that about 40 Malaysian athletes would take part in the opening ceremony parade at The Hydro tomorrow night (early Friday Malaysian time), dressed in specially designed batik attire featuring a special narrative theme.
