Birmingham confirmed as 2022 Commonwealth Games host - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Birmingham confirmed as 2022 Commonwealth Games host

Reuters | ByReuters
Dec 21, 2017 10:19 PM IST

English city Birmingham was confirmed as the hosts of the 2022 Commonwealth Games on Thursday.

Birmingham has been chosen as the host venue for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, organisers announced on Thursday with the Midlands city being the only bidder.

Birmingham will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.(Team England/Twitter)
Birmingham will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.(Team England/Twitter)

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin announced the decision at a press conference in the city.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“We warmly congratulate Birmingham and England on today’s announcement – it is a defining moment for this truly Commonwealth city,” she said.

READ | Indian women’s hockey team working on mental strength with NeuroTracker

“With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth.”

Durban, South Africa was originally awarded the Games in 2015 before being stripped of the event in March because it failed to meet promises contained in its bid.

Birmingham was chosen as Britain’s candidate city in September, beating a rival bid from Liverpool and receiving UK government backing.

The city’s bid was judged to be not fully compliant with all the criteria in October, leading the CGF to extending the deadline for other bidders, but no other cities came forward.

Birmingham bid organisers have said that 95 percent of the competition venues are already in place with Alexander Stadium, an established athletics venue, set for an increase in capacity and facilities upgrade.

The only new venue proposed in Birmingham’s bid is the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, which will host Swimming, Para Swimming and Diving.

READ | Vijender Singh has home challenger too as Brijesh Kumar Meena issues war cry

The city centre Victoria Square will also be used for 3x3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball.

At an estimated 750 million pounds ($1.00 billion), the Commonwealth Games will be the most expensive sports event staged in Britain since the London 2012 Olympics.

“The UK has a brilliant track record for putting on the biggest sport events in the world and it is great news that Birmingham has been selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games,” Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said.

READ | ‘Pawnographic’, Kamasutra: Players blast 2018 World Chess Championship logo

“I am sure that we will put on an event that will make the country proud, leave a strong sporting legacy and strengthen relationships with our friends across the Commonwealth.”

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia from April 4.

Catch all the Latest IPL 2024 news and Live Cricket Score along with WPL Schedule and WPL Points Table related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On