Scots with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in their sights will be in World, European and domestic sporting action this weekend. Here are just four events to look out for:
Cycling
Three Scots: Katie Archibald, Neah Evans and Ali Fielding are competing at the 2021 Track Cycling World Championships in Roubaix, France. The championships began on Wednesday with Fielding finishing fifth as part of the GB Team Sprint, while Evans and Archibald took bronze in the Team Pursuit. There are plenty more medals up for grabs across the weekend with the competition running right through until Sunday.
How to watch: You can watch all the action from the 2021 Track Cycling World Championships in Roubaix, France live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, the Red Button and the BBC Sport website and app. Full details can be found on the BBC website: UCI Track Cycling World Championships: Schedule and BBC coverage times – BBC Sport
Hockey
Teams are battling it out this weekend at the World Cup European Qualifiers for prized slots at the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup. The top team in the women’s event, taking place in Pisa, will take a World Cup place as will the top two teams in the men’s event which takes place in Cardiff.
Scotland’s women are into the semi-finals where they will face Wales/Italy after a convincing 3-0 win in their opening match against Poland. The men’s side had an agonising loss to Austria, ranked one place higher in the World rankings, in their opening match. With no score in open play, it went to running penalties with Austria taking the win 3-2. Next up for the men is the 5th -8th place play-off where they face Poland.
How to watch: All games will be live-streamed on EuroHockeyTV.org
Friday 22 Oct: Men’s 5th-8th Play-offs: Scotland v Poland 16:00
Saturday 23 Oct: Women’s Semi-Finals: Scotland v Wales 13:30
Sunday 24 Oct: Women’s Final (15:30) or 3rd/4th play off (13:00)
Men’s 5th-8th Play-offs Match 2 either 9.30am or 12pm
Netball
Scottish Thistles, led by returning Captain Claire Maxwell, will take on South Africa in Lisburn on Friday 22nd October in their first outing against World top five opposition since 2019. Head Coach Tamsin Greenway has named an 11-player squad ahead of this crucial match play opportunity as they continue with their preparations for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
How to follow: The game gets underway at 7.30pm and Netball Scotland will be providing live updates throughout the game on their social media accounts.
Table Tennis
Scottish titles are on the line this weekend as the Scottish Table Tennis National Championships take place at Bells Sports Centre in Perth. First up are the senior players who are in action on Saturday with the junior events on Sunday. Several former and prospective Team Scotland athletes will be in action with the high-quality line-up expected to produce some exciting matches.
How to watch: Spectators are welcome at Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth with free entry. Events will also be covered across Table Tennis Scotland social media channels. Play starts at 9am both days with a provisional schedule available here: Nationals Draw and Schedule – Table Tennis Scotland