The Australian state of Victoria has been officially announced as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
It is the first time a state or region has been awarded the Games and the sixth time they have been hosted in Australia.
Victoria emerged as the favorite from a number of interested parties in Australia and entered a period of exclusivity with the Commonwealth Games Federation in February.
Sixteen sports, all also part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, have been confirmed for the original programme, with up to seven more to be added by the end of the year.
The Victoria Games are staged in several cities including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, with the opening ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Melbourne also hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games, considered the most successful ever.
CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Commonwealth Games Federation is delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria.
“Commonwealth Games Australia and the Government of Victoria have crafted a bold and innovative vision that offers an exciting new blueprint for hosting our major multisport event.”
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