A major international sporting event can boost a country’s standing and improve its image. It can also increase tourism and create new jobs. However, it can also be controversial if the hosting nation is out of favour for political reasons or has a clash of cultures.
Sports fans around the world have varying rooting interests, from American basketball and baseball to soccer and cricket. The most popular events include the Super Bowl, NBA finals and FIFA World Cup.
Track-and-field athletics
The sport of track and field encompasses a wide range of running, walking, jumping, and throwing events. Most of these events are held outdoors on an oval track, but some take place indoors as well. The sport of track and field is one of the most international sports, with most nations sending men and women competitors to the quadrennial Olympic Games and official World Championships.
The sport also includes relay races, in which teams compete against each other. In these events, athletes must pass a baton between teammates in a designated area. Hurdles are also included in the sport, with men competing over 10 hurdles in 110 or 400-meter races while women compete over eight hurdles. Finally, there are field events, in which athletes throw objects such as the javelin and hammer.
Soccer
Soccer has become one of the most popular sports in the world, with more than 240 million people playing it. Its roots go back centuries to ancient China, Greece and Rome, where players kicked a ball made of animal hide or rock. But the modern game of soccer began in England in the 19th century.
Today, millions of people around the globe play soccer in local clubs. They also watch professional soccer matches in major leagues, such as the MLS and the Premier League. These events are also broadcast on television.
The success of a major international sporting event can enhance the image of a city or country, as was the case for Barcelona after hosting the Olympics in 1992. It can also boost a nation’s economic and cultural standing.
Ice hockey
Hockey is a team sport in which players shoot a closed, vulcanized rubber disc called a puck into the opposing team’s goal. There are six players on each team, including a goaltender. The game requires excellent skating skills and fast decision-making. Players wear a variety of protective gear to prevent injuries.
The game emerged in the late 19th century in Canada. It was originally a conglomeration of stick-and-ball games played on ice. By the early 20th century, organized leagues had developed and rules were standardised.
The sport has a large following in Europe, where top-tier teams play in their national leagues. Several countries also have top-tier professional senior leagues, where many future NHL stars begin their careers. These leagues are often referred to as grands evenements sportifs internationaux (GESI) or GAIS.
Rugby
Rugby is a team sport that uses running, kicking, and passing to move the ball down the field. Teams can score points by crossing the opponent’s goal line and touching it down. This is called a try and is worth five points. Teams can also earn two points by kicking the ball through the other team’s goalposts, which is known as a conversion.
A team can also earn three points by kicking the ball over the crossbar and between the uprights, which is called a drop goal. Like soccer, rugby is a continuous full-contact sport and players can be tackled while the ball is in play. This can be dangerous and is a common cause of injuries. However, the game is not as violent as American football.
Football
Football is the world’s most popular ball game, played by millions of people worldwide. It is a sport of team competition in which players try to maneuver the ball into their opponent’s goal. It is governed by FIFA, the International Federation of Association Football, with six regional confederations.
A successful major international sporting event can increase a city or country’s image and attract tourists and investors. This is especially true for countries with a long history of hosting Olympic Games or other international events. Get over to 해외스포츠중계 to learn more!
The French concept of grands evenements sportifs internationaux (GESI) is simpler and clearer than the wide variety of Anglo-Saxon terms used to describe large international sports events. It is important to distinguish between the different meanings of this notion, which are not necessarily mutually exclusive.