The Victorian government’s decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games, announced just hours after Trap star Laetisha Scanlan won a gold medal in the Shotgun World Cup, has “shocked and bitterly disappointed” Australia’s shooting athletes.
The Andrews Government made the unexpected announcement today, citing cost blowouts as the major reason to ditch the Games.
It has drawn scathing reactions across the sporting world, not least from shooters.
“Shooting Australia is shocked and bitterly disappointed with today’s announcement from Premier, Daniel Andrews, that Victoria will no longer host the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to concerns about funding,” Adam Sachs, CEO of Shooting Australia, said.
“An enormous contribution of time and effort went into Shooting’s bid to have our sport reinstated into the Commonwealth Games program.
“It is extremely unfortunate that this opportunity will now no longer be available to our athletes and our sport.”
Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins said the impact was being felt throughout the sporting community.
“For many of our athletes, coaches and support staff, Victoria 2026 was going to be an important stepping stone ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and for others it was to be the pinnacle of their careers.
“It is also the only peak event where para and able-bodied athletes compete side by side. The impact of this in promoting inclusivity in sport and the wider community cannot be understated.
“For the majority of Australians, our athletes are a source of pride and inspiration and bring communities together.”
The Victorian government has promised to divert some Games funding into regional areas, with $1 billion earmarked for housing, and has said many Games-related upgrades to sporting facilities would still be completed.
However, at this point there is no indication of what this might involve, how much funding would still be used and whether any shooting facilities would benefit.
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