Coe backing for Cardiff Games bid

Coe successfully led the bid for the 2012 London Olympics

Lord Coe has backed plans by the city of Cardiff to make a bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

BBC Wales revealed last month talks have begun within Cardiff Council, and an approach will be made to the Welsh Assembly Government for support.

And Lord Coe, the man in charge of the London 2012 Olympics, believes they have a realistic chance.

"Wales is beginning to get a reputation for very high quality event management," he told BBC Sport Wales.

In recent years Cardiff has gained an impressive reputation for attracting and hosting major sporting events.

Within the last decade the city has hosted a Rugby World Cup final, FA Cup finals, world championship boxing and rallying, Grand Prix speedway and Ashes Test cricket.

And next October, golf's Ryder Cup will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport.

The Commonwealth Games, however, would be the biggest sporting event ever hosted in Wales, with 72 teams from around the world and over 5,000 athletes.

"[Hosting the Games] It's not that far-fetched," added Lord Coe.

"If they have a really good coordinated programme, and obviously political and sporting support, you could see Wales do that again."

Next year's Commonwealth Games are being held in Delhi, although there have been recent concerns over delays in construction.

The 2014 Games will be hosted by Glasgow with the estimated £300m cost split 20%-80% between the city council and the Scottish government.

Cardiff plan to propose a similar partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government for 2022.

The Welsh capital would be the central base for the Games, but facilities in both Swansea and Newport would also be used.

"I think it's about time now that we seriously consider hosting the Commonwealth Games," said Cardiff Council executive member Nigel Howells told Sport Wales last month.