The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board have decided to explore rescheduling options for the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The seventh Commonwealth Youth Games were scheduled to take place ‪from 1-7 August 2021 after Trinidad and Tobago was awarded the competition by the CGF in June last year.

The impact of the pandemic on the global international sporting calendar means that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have now rescheduled to the summer of 2021 during the original dates of the Youth Games.

Following positive discussions, the CGF has agreed to consider the best alternative options and timeframes for staging the event in the future, potentially in 2023.

The CGF has given the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) consideration as the first option to host.

Tim Mahon, Commonwealth Games Australia’s Team Performance Manager, said the decision to reschedule the Youth Games wasn’t unexpected.

“Obviously the decision to reschedule will be very disappointing for those Under 18 athletes who had their sites set on Trinbago 2021,” Mahon said.

“However with many Commonwealth Games Associations throughout the Commonwealth also the National Olympic Committees, a clash with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics wasn’t feasible.

“We look forward to learning of the rescheduled dates so we can plan to provide a new group of young athletes the opportunity to experience the Commonwealth Youth Games in what will become the kick-off for our 2026 Games campaign.”

Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, has committed to asking the Cabinet to re-examine its position and provide the necessary confirmation regarding the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games and the related expenditure.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics has also changed demands on scheduling and resources for many of our Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) and International Federations from 2020 to 2021.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact across the world and everyone’s absolute priority is the health and wellbeing of their communities.”

“Our decision has been made in the best interests of athletes, fans and citizens that are to benefit from these transformational Games.

“We are committed over the coming months to look at future dates and hosting options, to ensure the right decision is taken for the Commonwealth Youth Games, so that the region can continue to play a leading role as part of the Commonwealth Sports Movement.”