GLOBAL sports stars are to compete in Glasgow as they prepare for the Olympic Games. 

The action will begin at the Emirates Arena on February 20, as athletics aces Mo Farah and Dina Asher-Smith compete in the Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix.

They will be joined by a host of sporting heroes including Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth long jump champion Greg Rutherford, Olympic, triple world and European champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, and European record holder and 200 metre world champion Dafne Schippers.

The Emirates will also be hosting the Glasgow World Cup in March, which will see some of the world’s best gymnasts descend on the city, just five months after the World Championships were held at the Hydro.

Finally, the British Swimming Championships and British Para-Swimming International Meet will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in April, where Britain’s swimmers will be looking to secure their place in Rio.

Chairman of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “In recent years we have built a position as one of the world’s top 10 sporting cities thanks to our investment in new facilities such as the Emirates Arena and also our international sporting events programme which continues to see some of the world’s biggest events take place in our city. 

“This year is no different with the some of the world’s top athletes, gymnasts, swimmers and para-swimmers set to grace our world-class venues just a few short months before they set off for Rio.”

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “It is with great delight we are able to build on the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games by utilising our outstanding sporting facilities, such as the Emirates Arena and Tollcross International Swimming Centre, to welcome inspirational Olympic and World champions to Scotland.

“Glasgow has played a crucial part in the country’s ever-strengthening reputation as the perfect stage for events, and 2016 is set to be another tremendously significant year for the city.”