Manchester has been named one of the top 10 cities in the world for sport

Manchester has been named as one of the best top 10 cities in the world for sport, according to a prestigious 2023 ranking.

But was there really ever any doubt?

More than two decades on from hosting the Commonwealth Games all the way back in 2002, our city continues to be recognised as a sporting powerhouse, and to prove this, Manchester has come in at number five on the BCW Top 50 Global Sport Cities ranking for 2023.

Not only is it the only UK city, apart from London, to make it into the coveted top 10, but it’s also jumped up a few places its ranking in eighth place in 2022.

Some of the city’s world-class facilities, including the National Cycling Centre and National Squash Centre were all noted as going toward it clinching eighth place on the list, as well as the thriving visitor economy strengthened by sporting attractions like National Football Museum, Emirates Old Trafford, and both football stadiums.

On top of this, the recent renovation works at the National Cycling Centre and the Aquatics Centre were noted, as were the dozens of other sporting projects said to be either in development or underway across the city region that are expected to be complete by 2025.

Paris, New York, Barcelona, and Tokyo are some of the other global cities to have made the 2023 list.

Manchester City Council says it’s “very proud” to have received this recognition after the investment that’s been put in to place the city on the international sporting map.

“Hosting the Commonwealth Games cemented Manchester’s reputation as one of the leading cities for sport and two decades on participation in sport has grown, we have widened access and encouraged residents to lead more active lifestyles, connecting sport with health and well-being,” said Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member Skills, Employment and Leisure.

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“The long-term benefits of sporting regeneration are not just seen at a national level but regional and local level as well as we continue to see capital investment in our sporting infrastructures, and major sporting events being held here.

“We have continued to expand, extend and modernise many of our facilities.”

Featured Image – Alex Motoc (via Unsplash)