Details of Commonwealth Games bid revealed

Birmingham has revealed the four indoor arenas in the Birmingham and Solihull area that will play a pivotal role in delivering its Commonwealth Games 2022 bid.

The city submitted Birmingham’s bid earlier this month as it hopes to host the Games in five years’ time, that had originally been awarded to Durban, South Africa.

With a much-reduced timeframe – Birmingham, along with Liverpool, had previously been targeting the 2026 Games – the focus has been on utilising existing sports venues and facilities.

Three of the NEC’s largest halls would be used to host boxing, judo, table tennis and freestyle wrestling. Artistic and rhythmic gymnastics would be held at the Barclaycard Arena, badminton at the Genting Arena, while Symphony Hall would host weightlifting and para powerlifting.

Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and chairman of Birmingham Commonwealth Games Steering Group, said: “We have undertaken a rigorous process to identify the venues which meet the Games’ technical requirements and ensure we meet the athletes’ and spectators’ needs.

“These world class indoor arenas are central to our bid and contribute to the 95% of Birmingham’s venues which are already available.

“With a heritage of delivering world-class international events these four venues will provide over 50 days of competition for fans to enjoy during the Birmingham 2022 Games.”