A bid from U.K. cities to jointly host the 2022 Commonwealth Games "would be considered" by Games officials, according to Nick Hope of the BBC. Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Manchester "expressed interest in staging the Games in place of Durban." Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg said that officials were "looking to make a decision quickly and would consider a joint bid." Grevemberg: "We are interested in looking at different delivery models and part of our strategic plan is to look at more affordable and appealing structures for hosting major events" (BBC, 3/15). In London, Joe Murphy reported a campaign is "growing for London to make a bid." London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that he was "open to ideas if funding was available." Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas said that it "should be seen as London’s chance to repeat its 2012 triumph." He said, "London is the capital of the Commonwealth but has never hosted the Games. Post-Brexit, it would be a great signal of Britain's and particularly London's continuing openness." Former rugby int'l Derek Wyatt said that the Games "could be used to revive sporting facilities in south London." He said, "I think with the mayor of London's support we could put a bid in" (EVENING STANDARD, 3/15). The PA reported Manchester is "making its pitch" to host the 2022 CWG. A Manchester City Council spokesperson said, "Manchester has always considered itself part of the Commonwealth Games family and we worked incredibly closely with the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a memorable 2002 Games here in the city." With a bid from England "considered by many to be the safest bet" for '22, a decision on which city is "likely to be the best candidate rests with Commonwealth Games England" (PA, 3/15).
INDIAN BID?: In New Delhi, Mihir Vasavda reported India may "throw its hat in the ring" for hosting the 2022 CWG. A senior Indian Olympic Association official said that it was "weighing the options of stepping in as a replacement for Durban" -- if the government lends its support. IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said, "Our (IOA) president and members are discussing the issue. If there is support from the government, we will consider the possibility of bidding for the Games." India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in '10, an event that is "as much remembered for corruption charges and mismanagement as it is for the country’s phenomenal success at several jam-packed sporting arenas" (INDIAN EXPRESS, 3/15).
