British Gymnastics name Birmingham as host city for 2018 Gymnastics World Cup

The city, which hopes to stage the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will host the two-day event at Arena Birmingham between March 21-22 next year, with the multi-series event also visiting the USA and Germany, before culminating in Japan.

As part of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) World Cup Series, the competition will feature nine women and nine men representing eight different countries, battling it out to take home the prestigious titles.

As the host nation, four British gymnasts will compete, with all nations announcing their representatives in the spring.

With the 2018 Commonwealth Games taking place next April, the World Cup meet in the Midlands will be the last outing for some of the world's best gymnasts before they jet off to compete on Australia's Gold Coast.

Citing Birmingham's rich history in staging previous gymnastic events, Jane Allen, the CEO of British Gymnastics, hailed the decision as hugely positive for the West Midlands.

"Birmingham and the West Midlands has produced some of the most successful British gymnasts in history and it's time to return to Birmingham and stage this spectacular event,” she said.

"It's a fantastic competition and a real crowd pleaser that's been enjoyed by sold-out crowds over the years.

"Besides the display of world class sport, with some the world's best gymnasts in action, there's always a firm focus on fun and entertaining the audience.”

Councillor Ian Ward, interim leader of Birmingham City Council added: "All eyes again will be on Birmingham as hosts of another significant international sporting event and we look forward to welcoming some of the world's best gymnasts to our city.

"We know Birmingham and the West Midlands will get behind this event and we are proud to support it."

Sportsbeat 2017