Malta Set To Host 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games With 1,000+ Athletes

Malta will host the eighth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in 2027, featuring more than 1,000 athletes aged 14 to 18 from 74 nations and territories competing in eight sports, the event’s governing body announced on Thursday.

The exact dates of the CYG have not been specified, but Commonwealth Sport indicated it will take place in late 2027.

“Commonwealth Sport is delighted to announce that the 8th Commonwealth Youth Games will be hosted by Malta in late 2027. Malta 2027 will welcome approximately 1,150 athletes aged 14-18 from Commonwealth Sport’s 74 nations and territories," Commonwealth Sport stated.

“This award reflects Commonwealth Sport’s commitment to bringing the Youth Games to new countries, particularly small and island nations. Malta’s engaging dual-island concept includes existing world-class facilities, with venues clustered in four main areas across Malta and Gozo. Hotels will serve as two Athlete Villages, one on each island."

Malta is an island nation in Southern Europe, located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa.

Sailing and water polo will debut at the CYG. The other six sports will be athletics and para-athletics, netball, squash, swimming and para-swimming, triathlon, and weightlifting.

“The unique programme aims to maximise local and Commonwealth youth interest while utilising existing state-of-the-art venues. Malta 2027 will feature the largest Para sport programme at a CYG, with Para Swimming included for the first time, building on the inclusion of Para Athletics at the last CYG in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023."

India hosted the third edition of the CYG in Pune in 2008.

Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare said: “We are thrilled to bring the Commonwealth Youth Games to Malta in 2027. Malta’s athlete-first proposal, world-class facilities, and proven experience in hosting international events make it an ideal host.

“The Commonwealth Youth Games are more than a captivating celebration of sport; they are a transformative experience for young athletes. Those who compete are the stars of tomorrow and the voices of today, changemakers who will shape the future of our Movement. We look forward to being on the beautiful island of Malta in 2027."

(with PTI inputs)