24-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) As Singapore contemplates hosting the prestigious 2026 Commonwealth Games, a multitude of factors come into play, igniting a heated debate that transcends the realm of mere sporting spectacle. The quadrennial multi-sport extravaganza, a cherished tradition among nations once under British rule, finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with questions of relevance, economic viability, and the indelible legacy it leaves behind.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) extended an invitation to Singapore during its general assembly in November 2023, urging the city-state to express its interest in staging the upcoming edition. This overture came in the wake of the Australian state of Victoria’s withdrawal from hosting duties, citing projected cost overruns that threatened to spiral out of control.
Amidst the allure of global recognition and the promise of an invigorated sporting ecosystem, sceptics raise concerns about the Games’ waning significance and the potential financial burden it could impose on the nation’s coffers. As the debate rages on, experts from various spheres weigh in, offering diverse perspectives that shed light on the intricate web of considerations.
Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a law lecturer at Singapore Management University (SMU), encapsulates the crux of the matter with a candid observation: “The Commonwealth Games is a Games seeking relevance, unlike the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.” This sentiment echoes the voices of those who question the event’s contemporary appeal, particularly among the younger generation.
Former Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) vice-president Low Teo Ping goes a step further, labelling the Games as “quite irrelevant today.” He argues that regional events like the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Asian Games offer a more compelling list of benefits in terms of fostering cooperation and bolstering regional ties.
However, proponents counter that the Commonwealth Games, while not a global phenomenon, still boasts a high calibre of competition in disciplines such as swimming and athletics. The presence of world-record holders and Olympic champions at the 2022 edition in Birmingham underscores the event’s ability to attract top-tier talent, potentially inspiring the next generation of Singaporean athletes.
Hosting a major multi-sport event invariably carries a hefty price tag, and the Commonwealth Games is no exception. The 2026 Games, initially slated for Victoria, were projected to cost a staggering A$7 billion (S$6.13 billion) – a colossal leap from the initial budget of A$2.6 billion. While these figures were subsequently deemed “overstated and not transparent” by Victoria’s auditor-general, the spectre of ballooning expenses looms large.
Economist Song Seng Wun emphasizes the importance of an event’s stature, questioning whether the Commonwealth Games will garner sustained global media attention, thereby enhancing Singapore’s brand value. Conversely, if it fails to capture the world’s imagination, the cost-benefit analysis tilts unfavourably.
Proponents, however, highlight the potential economic boon for Singapore’s burgeoning sports industry. Former national footballer R. Sasikumar, now the chief executive of the D+1 Sports business development firm, envisions the Games as a catalyst for growth, fostering a thriving ecosystem of agencies and businesses that could leave a lasting legacy long after the final whistle.
Beyond the sporting and economic realms, the decision to host the Commonwealth Games carries significant political implications. Associate Professor Tan underscores the necessity for widespread public support, cautioning that a loss-making endeavour could prove detrimental to the ruling party’s electoral fortunes.
The spectre of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), where costs ballooned from S$106 million to S$387 million, looms large. Tan raises the pertinent question: “Are we going to get the bang for our buck in hosting the Commonwealth Games? We have to be highly selective.”
Sasikumar, however, urges against viewing past experiences as the sole determinant, advocating for a forward-looking approach that embraces new opportunities while learning from previous challenges.
While Singapore boasts a robust sporting infrastructure, experts acknowledge that some facilities may require upgrades or expansions to accommodate the influx of athletes and events. Concerns have been raised about the Sports Hub’s capacity to host multiple concurrent competitions, potentially necessitating additional venues.
Nonetheless, Singapore’s track record in organizing major events to global standards, often within budgetary constraints, instils confidence in its ability to deliver a seamless Commonwealth Games experience. The city-state’s financial muscle also affords it the flexibility to invest in necessary upgrades or new facilities, should the need arise.
Underpinning the entire debate is the notion of legacy – the enduring impact the Commonwealth Games would have on Singapore’s sporting landscape and its citizens. Former Singapore Sports Hub chief executive officer and national swimmer Oon Jin Teik emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Games, which embraces athletes with disabilities as full members of their national teams, a departure from other major events.
Mark Chay, Singapore Aquatics president and former Nominated Member of Parliament, envisions the Games as an opportunity for Singapore to redefine the Commonwealth movement, setting new standards in areas such as sustainability and inclusivity.
Ultimately, as Oon aptly articulates, the crux lies in executing a well-resourced legacy plan that extends beyond the fleeting spectacle of the Games themselves. “If the legacy outcomes are clear, no one will regret it,” he asserts, underscoring the imperative of leaving an indelible mark on Singapore’s sporting fabric.
