A potential Wales bid received cross-party support from British Members of Parliament earlier this month, with officials due to meet with those involved with the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to ask for advice.

Wales last hosted what was then called the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1958 when they took place in Cardiff. 

The capital would likely be the focus point again for a 2026 bid, but venues across the country could also be used.

This could include the velodrome in Newport, a national swimming pool in Swansea and a potential mountain-biking course in Snowdonia.

Leanne Wood, the leader of nationalists Plaid Cymru, said that a 2026 bid would be a "priority" if her party win the Welsh elections later this year.

Wheelchair racer Baroness Tanni, an 11-time Paralympic champion, hopes that Wales could follow in the footsteps of Scotland, who hosted an acclaimed Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

"We just have to be a bit brave and a bit bold and go for it because the Commonwealth Games is a brilliant event," she said to the BBC.

"A lot of the venues are already here in the south Wales area and we do know it brings in money, it brings in people, it brings in tourism." 

Cardiff held a major sporting event this weekend when the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Half Marathon Championships took place.

Wales' former 400 metres runner Jamie Baulch backed up his compatriot, saying: "We hosted an amazing event, the times were fantastic, the performances were there and Mo Farah was competing.

"I think it's just looking on course to get us the Commonwealth Games in 10 years' time."

Gold Coast in Australia will host the next Commonwealth Games in 2018, with Durban in South Africa staging them in 2022.

Canadian city Edmonton, which pulled out of a battle with Durban for 2022 due to falling oil prices, could be a contender again in 2026.

Papua New Guinea's capital Port Morseby, which hosted the 2015 Pacific Games, may also bid for 10 years' time.