LEICESTER’S Ironman has given his backing to the city’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Manjit Singh, who holds 36 world records for feats of strength, was delighted to put his weight behind Leicester’s bid.
“There are so many different communities in Leicester that it’s the perfect place for the World Cup,” he said.
“The Special Olympics has already put Leicester on the map, but the World Cup would be the icing on the cake.”
Manjit – whose record for the number of fingertip push-ups in one minute is 152 – joins a growing list of celebrities who have come forward to give their support to Leicester’s bid.
Footballing legends Gary Lineker, Steve Walsh, Muzzy Izzet, Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton have all backed the bid, as well as snooker player Willie Thorne, rugby’s Jordan Crane, basketball star LaTaryl Williams, cricketer Munaf Patel and quintuple Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve Redgrave.
As well as the celebrities, more than 1,500 people have joined a Facebook group supporting Leicester’s bid – a group that’s believed to be the biggest fan group for any of the applicant host cities.
Leader of Leicester City Council, Cllr Ross Willmott, said: “We are convinced Leicester will make a great host city.
“Our facilities, the ease of access, our diverse population, our record as a great sporting city and the huge enthusiasm of our people for sporting success all give us a real chance of helping England win the bid for 2018.”
Chairman of Leicester City Football Club, Milan Mandaric, is delighted that Leicester is bidding for host city status:
“The Walkers Stadium would make a magnificent venue to host World Cup matches, should England win the bid to host the 2018 tournament,” he said.
“It is a stadium that was designed and built with the idea of potential expansion. We look forward to working with everyone on the bid team to try to turn this big idea into a reality to be enjoyed not only in Leicestershire and England but by the entire world.”
Leicester is one of 15 cities bidding to become a host city, should England host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
It will hear in December, if the city’s bid has been successful.
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