Apabila sukan jadi alat diplomasi negara

The Commonwealth Games concluded in Glasgow with Malaysia achieving its best-ever performance, earning eight gold medals, welcoming new talent, and the emotional farewell of cyclist Azizulhasni Awang. However, behind the excitement, a concerning question arose: how many Malaysians truly understood that the Commonwealth Games were taking place?

This question forms the basis of a growing field known as sports diplomacy. The journalist behind this is Haresh Deol, the sole editor from Asia for the recently published Routledge Handbook of Sports Diplomacy, the first comprehensive book dedicated to this increasingly important aspect of international sports. Deol, along with several renowned academics worldwide, wrote a chapter on the future of the Commonwealth Games, which gained attention again after Glasgow decided to host the 2026 edition, following Victoria's withdrawal due to rising costs.

The reduction of event categories to just 10, excluding popular sports like hockey, cricket, and others, has raised concerns about the future of the event. While Malaysian athletes continue to achieve remarkable feats, their success may not fully address the broader question of the games' long-term relevance. In recent years, the Commonwealth Games have provided opportunities for newly independent nations to compete on the international stage and strengthen ties among member nations.

Today's youth, however, have numerous alternatives. Major sporting events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and major league competitions are vying for their attention, while athletes face packed schedules and difficult choices about the sports they wish to pursue. History alone is no longer sufficient. For the Commonwealth Games to remain relevant, they must continue to offer unique values in terms of sports, culture, or diplomacy that cannot be easily replicated through other events. This is where sports diplomacy plays a crucial role.