Birmingham to host 2022 Commonwealth Games

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The English city of Birmingham is going to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games after a troubled bidding process.

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

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

The bid was originally awarded to Durban, South Africa in 2015. However, the city had the event taken away due to financial problems.

With Durban out, Birmingham defeated a rival British bid from Liverpool to secure the support of the government in September.

Dusk over Birmingham. /VCG Photo

Bid organizers 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 quadrennial multisport event, involving members of the British Commonwealth of Nations, last took place in the United Kingdom in Glasgow in 2014.

The budget for the 2022 Games, which is expected to run from July 27 to August 7, is reported to be 750 million pounds (one billion US dollars).

The Games are open to countries that are members of the Commonwealth, a collection of nations and territories that were mainly once part of the British empire.

Next year's Games will be staged on Australia's Gold Coast.

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters