Durban will host 2022 Commonwealth Games

Durban in South Africa will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first African city to be awarded the four-yearly multi-sports event.The 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth Games Federation made the decision unanimously on after receiving Durban's final candidate city briefing at the general assembly in Auckland. Durban was the only candidate left when Edmonton, Canada withdrew its bid in February, citing costs.The general assembly also voted to increase the number of compulsory sports at the games from 10 to 16.Scotland's Louise Martin was elected the first female president of the federation, deposing incumbent Prince Tunku Imran of Malaysia who held the role for four years.Durban's final pitch to Federation members included contributions from South Africa's minister for sport Fikile Mbalula and Durban mayor James Nxumalo. The announcement was broadcast live in South Africa.

About Commonwealth Games--The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then.The games are overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also controls the sporting programme and selects the host cities. A host city is selected for each edition. 18 cities in seven countries have hosted the event. Apart from many Olympic sports, the games also include some sports that are played predominantly in Commonwealth countries, such as lawn bowls and netball.Although there are 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, 71 teams participate in the Commonwealth Games, as a number of dependent territories compete under their own flag. The four Home Nations of the United Kingdom—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—also send separate teams. Only six countries have attended every Commonwealth Games: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. Australia has been the highest achieving team for twelve games, England  for seven, and Canada for one.