Glasgow has been named as one of the world’s best cities for holding sporting events. The city came ninth in a list that considers marketing, transport, accommodation and venues to determine the best places to host major sporting competitions. London was named best city for the sixth year in a row at the SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Cities Awards.

With the Commonwealth Games in 2014 in the east end of Glasgow, chairman Lord Smith said he was delighted to see the city named in the top ten. He said: “This major international accolade reinforces Glasgow’s appeal as a world-class sports event destination.We look forward to welcoming … 6,500 athletes and officials who can experience for themselves an outstanding Games environment in one of the world’s greatest sporting cities.” Glasgow also won an individual award for marketing and branding at the biennial event.

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: “Glasgow’s reputation as a world leader in terms of sport is growing year on year, thanks to our world-class events programme and investment in facilities, such as the stunning new Commonwealth Arena. That will only continue as we build towards the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,” he added. To have improved on our 2010 ranking and made the world’s top ten, while retaining our position as the top city in the world when it comes to marketing and branding, is testament to the hard work of our teams across the city and of our national partners.”