RADICAL RETHINK: Commonwealth Games face reinvention or decline as Africa and Asia rise

The Commonwealth Games may need to undergo a radical rethinking or risk declining as Africa and Asia grow in prominence. The current hosting model, marked by high costs and a Western-centric approach, is unsustainable. In response, Tony Simpson, a senior fellow at the World Economic Forum, proposes shared hosting arrangements among Africa and Asia, combined with a broader "festival of sport" concept.

This would involve co-hosting events like the recent Fifa World Cup and a longer festival of sport spread across multiple countries over a longer period. Simpson believes that focusing on traditional sporting markets in Europe, North America, and Australia limits the Games' long-term potential, as these regions represent only a small portion of the Commonwealth's membership and young population.

With more than half of the Commonwealth's membership located in Africa and Asia, and a significant share of the world's young people residing in these regions, the Games must be African- and Asian-centric. Simpson envisions a shift away from Western and Eastern broadcasters and a reimagining of the sporting programme to include popular sports like cricket and kabaddi, which have large fan bases in these regions.

By embracing the continent's unique cultural heritage and economic opportunities, the Commonwealth Games can become a dynamic and inclusive celebration of the cultures and youth that define the Commonwealth.