On your marks..
The BBC has a winning line-up as the 2022 Commonwealth Games kick off in Birmingham – so here’s what’s hot to watch
Get ready for 11 fabulous days of edge-ofthe-seat sport as the Commonwealth Games return to British soil for the first time since the 2014 event was held in Glasgow.
The 2022 Games in Birmingham will see contenders from around the globe competing in sports such as athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, cycling, netball, rugby sevens, squash, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, table tennis and cricket.
Here’s what to look out for…
THE ALL-STARS
Alongside the Games, two teams of para and able-bodied sporting stars and celebrities will take part in the Sport Relief All-Star Games: Birmingham 2022.
Led by Kelly Holmes and Ellie Simmonds, above right, the red and blue teams will tackle cycling, athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball 3x3 and table tennis to raise cash for Sport Relief.
You can find out how they all fared in an hour-long special that will air just before the closing ceremony on August 8.
MEET THE TV HOSTS
Action from the Games will be brought to us by a top team that includes Hazel Irvine, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, Jason Mohammad, JJ Chalmers, Isa Guha, Holly Hamilton and Ayo Akinwolere. While sporting greats Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle, Denise Lewis, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Colin Jackson, Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, Sir Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington and Ama Agbeze will also be giving their expert analysis and insights into the proceedings.
NEW FOR 2022
Cricket’s first inclusion in the Games since 1998 sees women’s T20 make its debut at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground. The Australia vs India game will get all of the action underway on Friday at 11am, followed on Saturday at 6pm by England’s first match, against Sri Lanka. Other GAME ON... England cricket captain Heather Knight nations taking part in the short form, fast-paced game include Pakistan, New Zealand Barbados and South Africa.
WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM
To mark the fact that the Commonwealth Games are being staged in Birmingham, the BBC is packing its schedules with plenty of Brum-related content. As well as coverage of the Games across TV, radio and online, you can listen to Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show live from the city centre, while BBC Breakfast will also be broadcasting from the West Midlands. Celebrations also include Birmingham At The BBC Night on BBC Two that sees performances from some of the city’s best known musical artists, including Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Duran Duran, above, Black Sabbath and ELO. Plus, on BBC Radio WM, there’s Beyond The Bricks Of Brum, which features more than 100 musicians. Let the Games begin.