Scot Louise Martin has been named the Commonwealth Games Federation's new president as it was confirmed Durban would host the event in 2022. The South African city was the only remaining bidder so the unanimous vote in favour, therefore, came as no surprise. Edmonton in Canada had been a rival bidder to Durban but pulled out of the race in February.

It will mark the first time any African country has hosted the Commonwealth Games. The opening ceremony of the games will take place on July 18 - the date of birth of South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela. It was also a momentous day for Martin, previously the chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland and the vice-chair of the organising committee for the Glasgow 2014 Games.

She becomes the first female president of the CGF after winning a narrow vote against Malaysian incumbent Prince Tunku Imran. Martin, who competed for her country as a swimmer at the 1962 Commonwealth Games, said: "From my earliest days competing as an athlete to my time serving the CGF executive board, the Commonwealth sporting family has had a profound effect on my life.

"I am extremely proud and humbled to be elected as president of the CGF and it is my chance to give something back to the movement that means so much to me.

"There is also so much more we can do to grow the profile of our great sporting movement across the world to ensure that its unique identity is valued and our Games attract the best Commonwealth athletes, sponsors and, critically, future host cities.

"As someone with a proven track record of collaboration and delivery, as well as dedication and passion for the movement, I am proud to have been elected by the (Commonwealth Games Associations) who have shown they believe I am the right person to guide the CGF through the next stage of its Commonwealth journey and unlock the immense potential of our unique sporting movement."