| Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President 
				Louise Martin announced the decision at a press conference in 
				the city.
 "We warmly congratulate Birmingham and England on today's 
				announcement – it is a defining moment for this truly 
				Commonwealth city," she said.
 
 "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 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 only new venue proposed in Birmingham's bid is the Sandwell 
				Aquatics Centre, which will host Swimming, Para Swimming and 
				Diving.
 
 The city center 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.
 
 "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.
 
 (Reporting by Simon Evans, additional reporting by Martyn 
				Herman; editing by Sudipto Ganguly and Pritha Sarkar)
 
			[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights 
				reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, 
			broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 
				 |  |