Commonwealth Games bid would bring competitors to the NEC

THE bid for Birmingham to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games plans for a number of the sports to take place a stone's throw from North Solihull.

The NEC complex would play host to boxing, badminton, judo, table-tennis and wrestling under organisers' plans.

Last week, the Government gave official backing to the multi-million pound bid, with the city now set to face off against Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, and Victoria, Canada.

Birmingham's offer has been described as "low risk, high quality" given that 95 per cent of the venues which would welcome athletes have already been built.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: "It would showcase the best in Britain to the world and make the entire country proud. 

"Not only would it help grow the economy in the West Midlands and beyond, it would also leave a strong sports legacy, by upgrading facilities to benefit both elite athletes and the local economy."

The Commonwealth Games takes place every four years and sees 70 teams compete in 23 sporting disciplines.

If successful, Birmingham would follow in the footsteps of Manchester, which hosted the competition 15 years ago, and Glasgow, which welcomed competitors in 2014.