Malta to Host the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games

Commonwealth Sport is delighted to announce that the 8th Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) will be hosted by Malta in late 2027.

The award reflects Commonwealth Sport’s commitment to taking the Youth Games to new countries and especially small and island nations. Malta’s compelling dual-island concept features existing world-class facilities, with venues in four main clusters across the islands of Malta and Gozo. Hotels will be used to create two Athlete Villages, one on each island.

Malta 2027 will welcome approximately 1,150 athletes aged 14–18 from Commonwealth Sport’s 74 nations and territories. The Sport Programme will feature eight sports, with Sailing and Water Polo making their debut at a CYG, alongside Athletics and Para Athletics, Netball, Squash, Swimming and Para Swimming, Triathlon, and Weightlifting. The distinctive programme was designed to maximise local and Commonwealth youth appeal and utilise existing state-of-the-art venues. Malta 2027 will have the largest Para sport programme at a CYG, with Para Swimming being added to the CYG programme for the first time, building on the landmark inclusion of Para Athletics at the last CYG in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023.

Dr. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said:

“We are thrilled to bring the Commonwealth Youth Games to Malta in 2027 and thank Commonwealth Sport Malta and the Government of Malta for their commitment and vision. 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 that 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.”

Mr Julian Pace Bonello, President of Commonwealth Sport Malta, described the Games as a unique opportunity for Malta: “Malta 2027 will be a celebration of unity, youth, and excellence. This is a long-term vision that extends beyond a single event. It is about building a legacy in sports participation, athlete development, and international recognition. Our young athletes will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete on home soil, inspiring an entire generation.”

Mr Pace Bonello also expressed gratitude for the collaboration that made this possible: “We are proud and humbled to be entrusted with hosting this prestigious event. Our thanks go to Commonwealth Sport for their trust, and to the Government of Malta for their unwavering support. Malta’s rich tradition of hospitality will shine through every aspect of these Games.”

Alongside the sporting action, the Games will feature a dynamic Cultural and Education Programme, celebrating the diversity of the Commonwealth and promoting key themes such as sustainability, youth empowerment, and Maltese heritage. It is also anticipated that the Games will boost grassroots participation, strengthen local capacity in event management, stimulate economic growth and tourism, and foster cultural exchange, global recognition, and environmental sustainability, ensuring the benefits extend well beyond the closing ceremony.

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Hon. Dr Clifton Grima reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting sport as a tool for development: “Malta 2027 is a testament to our country’s growing ambition and capability in the world of sport. Hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games is not only a historic honour, it is an investment in our young athletes, in our communities, and in our international standing. These Games will inspire a generation, showcase Maltese talent and hospitality to the world, and leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond sport. We are proud to welcome the Commonwealth to our islands.”

For many, the CYG are a formative first taste of an international multi-sport Games, serving as a launchpad for future champions. Previous CYG medallists include 16-year-olds Kirani James (Athletics) and Chad le Clos (Swimming) in Pune 2008; an 18-year-old Jessica Ennis (Athletics) at Bendigo 2004; and a 15-year-old Beth Tweddle (Artistic Gymnastics) at the inaugural Games in Edinburgh in 2000. Other notable alumni include Thomas Dean (Swimming), Bahamas 2017, P.V. Sindhu (Badminton), Isle of Man 2011, Alex Yee (Athletics), Samoa 2015, and Peruth Chemutai (Athletics), Samoa 2015.

Kai Azzopardi, who finished 4th for Malta in the Men’s Individual Triathlon at Trinbago 2023, said: “Competing at the Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games was more than a race – it was a life‑shaping journey that pushed me to discover the true depths of my determination. I’m thrilled that these Games are coming to Malta – it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase sport on our home soil, inspire the next generation, and put Malta on the map as a stage for excellence.”

Malta 2027 will build on the success of Trinbago 2023, a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of sport and youth that captured the imagination of athletes across the Commonwealth. Inspiring and empowering young people is a cornerstone of ‘Commonwealth United’, the Commonwealth Sport Movement’s Strategic Plan 2023-2034, and active discussions are already underway regarding future editions.

Malta will also host the 2027 Commonwealth Sport General Assembly alongside the CYG.

Media should contact media@commonwealthsport.com for further details about the Commonwealth Youth Games

Rights free images will be available for editorial use shortly after the official announcement event, being hosted in Malta.
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About Commonwealth Sport

Commonwealth Sport is the organisation with responsibility for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and for delivering the vision of the Commonwealth Sport Movement: ‘Our Commonwealth, united through sport’.

Our mission is to deliver inspirational and impactful Games; to excite and empower athletes and young people; and to drive equality in sport and society across the Commonwealth.

Established in 1930, the Commonwealth Sport Movement brings together 74 independent nations and territories creating a diverse Commonwealth community of over 2.5 billion individuals, representing one-third of the world’s population. Together we stand as a beacon of unity, diversity, and equality, completely integrating Para athletes, driving gender equality and advocating for legacy and social change through sport.