21 March 2016 

The IAAF World Indoor Championships drew to a close in Portland yesterday as the USA handed the baton to the UK who will host the next edition in 2018 at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena.

Birmingham previously hosted the Championships in 2003 as well as the European Indoor Championships in 2007, giving the city a proven track record and pedigree in staging major championships.

The World Indoor Championships in 2018 will follow soon after London has hosted the outdoor World Championships in the Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the summer of 2017, giving British athletes the massive incentive of competing at another home championship.

Chief Executive of UK Athletics Niels de Vos said: “We are confident that Birmingham 2018 will build on the successful IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland and continue innovating to make it the best ever staging of the event.

“Birmingham has hosted the IAAF’s number one ranked Indoor Grand Prix for many years, showing proven ability in staging an event of this stature. With the expertise we have to organise and deliver these Championships combined with the great support of the home crowd, Birmingham will produce a special atmosphere in two years’ time.”

Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "The IAAF World Indoor Athletic Championships in Portland have been well organised and a great success. They have brought new innovation to the event and set the bar high for Birmingham 2018, but I am confident that Birmingham will rise to the challenge and deliver a championship to remember."