UK Sports Minister hoping Australia can still host 2026 Commonwealth Games

SYDNEY - British Sports Minister Stuart Andrew hopes Australia will still be able to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, reported PA Media/dpa.

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate announced last week that his city was ready to step in after the state of Victoria withdrew as host.

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews cited a rise in estimated costs to at least 6 billion Australian dollars (US$7.7 billion) when he announced the withdrawal.

When asked if the UK could step in if necessary to save the Games - Birmingham was hostlast year - Andrew told the PA news agency: "I still hope a solution could be found in Australia.

"Part of what I’ve been saying to people when I’ve met this over the past few days is ‘Look what Birmingham has achieved’.

"Look at the economic benefit it’s brought to the region. Look at the opportunity to bring people together it provided, and have think about it.

"It would be great (for Australia) to host it, so I hope that that could be the solution first.

"But of course, Commonwealth Games organisations are working hard on this to find the solution and hopefully they will be able to do so.” - BERNAMA