LONDON, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced Thursday that Birmingham, Britain's second largest city, is the host of the 22nd Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham 2022, which is expected to take place from 27 July to 7 August 2022, marks 20 years since Manchester 2002, the last time the games were held in England and follows an edition in Glasgow in 2014.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley said: "Birmingham will put on a fantastic Commonwealth Games in 2022 and I am delighted that the Commonwealth Games Federation has awarded us the right to host what will be a sporting spectacular."

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: "The UK has a brilliant track record for putting on the biggest sport events in the world and it is a great news that Birmingham has been selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games."

The CGF made the announcement at a special media conference staged at the Arena Academy school in Birmingham, when CGF President Louise Martin applauded the city's innovative vision to showcase the best of global Britain.

Martin said: "It is a defining moment for this truly Commonwealth city. With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth.

"The vast majority of the Games venues are in place, and with extensive experience in the UK of hosting successful major events - including Manchester 2002, London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 - the CGF looks forward to a truly spectacular Games that delivers not only for the 2.4 billion citizens across the Commonwealth but the wider world, too. Today is a fantastic day for Birmingham, global Britain and our resurgent Commonwealth Sports Movement."

The CGF President also thanked Canada, Malaysia and Australia for the continued interest expressed in hosting a future Commonwealth Games, and confirmed that the Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) in these countries have signalled their potential hosting interest in either 2026 or 2030.

Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Chair of the Bid Team, said: "This is a wonderful way to end the year and celebrate the festive season - with an early Christmas present for the city."

Birmingham and Liverpool both bid to host the games after Durban pulled out after being chosen to host the games in 2022. The British government chose Birmingham as its contender for the event, with the city going forward for the final choice to be made by the CGF.