Iran Press/ America: The Commonwealth Games, staged across multiple sports, occur every four years. First held in 1930, they have only previously been canceled during World War Two.
To be eligible to participate in the Games, competitors must be from one of the Commonwealth's 56 member nations. Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once part of the British Empire.
Just weeks after the Australian state Victoria withdrew as confirmed host for 2026, the Canadian province of Alberta also cited cost concerns as it withdrew plans for a 2030 bid. There is now no firm bid for any future edition, leaving the Games facing an existential crisis just months after the coronation of King Charles.
With the event seemingly losing its allure internationally, British medal-winning athletes and former event executives are calling urgent reform.
Sharron Davies, who secured two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes across the 1978 and 1990 editions, expressed despair, saying the event was her "favorite competition." "It will be a terrible shame if they stop," she told Telegraph Sport, as she called for a new-look event that "centers the athletes" and uses existing infrastructure.
Another top former official involved in the organization of the Games also said a radical new approach is needed to ensure Birmingham 2022 is not the last ever Games. Birmingham had only stepped in to replace Durban after the South African city failed to meet deadlines.
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