‘KL will make a good host’

“I do believe Malaysia is capable of hosting the (2022) Commonwealth Games.”

These are the words of Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Imran Tunku Jaafar following the news of Durban’s withdrawal as hosts for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He said Kuala Lumpur would make a good host for the Commonwealth Games due to its track record of having hosted the Games in 1998.

Another reason is that facilities built for the 2017 Sea Games especially the upcoming Sports City at Bukit Jalil is set to be completed by then.

The former Commonwealth Games Federation president, however, stressed that the decision is not one for OCM to make but the government’s.

“We, at the OCM, can’t make that decision but will bring the attention to the relevant authorities.

“Is the government willing to host another Commonwealth Games after such a short period?

“But there are a few things that we do have an advantage as Malaysia’s standing in the Commonwealth Games Federation is very high and I believe that any offer to host the games would go down very well.”

Tunku Imran felt that hosting the event is a golden opportunity as Malaysia have excelled in the 10 compulsory sports, which include squash and hockey.

“It would make a lot of sense for Malaysia to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games at a cost that should be able to be absorbed.”

He stressed that the decision to host such a big event must be backed by the government to avoid the situation faced by South Africa.

“Durban is pulling out because their central government support was not forthcoming, including the guarantees, especially financial.”

Tunku Imran also announced the appointment of former World No 1 shuttler Wong Choong Hann as the Chef-de-Mission for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas on July 19-23. By Farah Azharie