Chance to show what Malaysia can do despite the odds

THE prospect of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games offers an exciting opportunity to get out of our 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 also a need to define the Games in a new way; expending large budgets on building new assets is not a workable model neither for the upcoming Games nor for the future ones.

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 along with the development of the host countries to the world. Perhaps Malaysia 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, considering the condensed timeline, it may be an opportunity too big to take a bite out of and to deliver in a meaningful way.

With the current reality as it is, perhaps hosting a smaller Commonwealth Games should be the offer put on the table by Malaysia; i.e. host the core sports and let another country take on the others. In the post-covid 19 world, something is better than nothing!

The post-mortem of the Taylor Swift concerts in Singapore has been discussed 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 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 even against the odds.